COUPLES CALL DAVE'S MOVE A VICTORY FOR EQUAL RIGHTS - New York Post

HOPEFUL: Cathy (left) and Sheila Marino-Thomas, who were legally wed in Massachusetts, hope their union will be recognized in New York


By SAMUEL GOLDSMITH






May 30, 2008 -- Married lesbians Cathy and Sheila Marino-Thomas said yesterday that Gov. Paterson's directive forcing state agencies to recognize same-sex unions is a "big win" for them.

Honoring marriages from other states lets couples like Cathy and Sheila - who live in Manhattan but were legally married in Massachusetts five years ago - to file joint tax returns and provides other benefits under state laws that heterosexuals receive.

But tax advantages are just part of the benefits for same-sex couples, Cathy Marino-Thomas said. More importantly, the decision is a step toward equal rights for same-sex couples.

"This is a glorious day for equality," said Marino-Thomas, director of Marriage Equality New York. "This opens the door that has been closed to same-sex couples.

"Hopefully this will mean that in time more than just state employees can receive benefits," she said.

The Marino-Thomases believe the governor's move will force the private sector in New York to update its benefits for same-sex couples.

"It will urge our state to step away from the unequal and move to the table of equality," she said. "We will begin to be recognized as families. That's a big win."

Other same-sex couples in the city agreed.

"In day-to-day life, maybe this won't benefit us," said Robert Voorheis. "But it makes us feel better that the law is now protecting us."