NY Mom, Lawyer, Lesbian, To Daughter: “We are and always will be, a real family.”
Lisa A. Linsky, Partner, McDermott Will & Emery LLP, writes, “A Message to 38 NY State Senators: Shame On You.”
“Five years ago, my partner and I had a “commitment ceremony” in an Episcopal Church in Westchester. We have been in a loving, committed relationship for well over a decade. Our daughter, who was then seven years old, had always wanted to be the flower girl at our “wedding.” When we announced to her that we were getting “married”, she shouted with delight that “at last, we will be a real family.” From the mouths of babes.
“Now, five years later, my partner and I still face the same legal obstacles that we faced when we stood together in a house of worship, and proclaimed our love and lives to each other in the presence of our family, friends and neighbors. We are no more protected, nor recognized in the eyes of the law as a married couple. Yet, we are productive, contributing members of our communities, faithful taxpayers, devoted parents and partners, and role models. We share the joys and responsibilities of marriage, notwithstanding that our union has no name or legal import in this state.”