PLATTSBURGH — Breaking from her state colleagues, State Sen. Betty Little affirmed her opposition to gay marriage.
Little (R-Queensbury) said Thursday in a meeting with the Press-Republican Editorial Board, that she favors equal rights for same-sex couples but believes marriage ought to remain traditional.
“I believe we need to respect the historic and cultural definition of marriage as a union between a man and woman,” Little said.
She said research shows that the best situation for raising children is a family unit with a mother and a father.
“I know a lot of times that doesn’t happen either, but I think a lot of people try to keep a family together.”
Little added that gay people can still have equal rights without marriage.
“Life still evolves, and there are ways to give equal rights, and I think we can do that through civil unions and other ways.”
The senator said she was uncomfortable with the way some supporters of gay marriage are pushing their agenda.
“They are thrusting their beliefs on people, to some extent.”
Assemblywomen Janet Duprey (R-Peru) and Teresa Sayward (R-Willsboro) both support same-sex marriage.
The subject did not even come up for discussion when the three lawmakers recently met for dinner, Little said.
TROMBLEY STAND
The subject did come up at Wednesday night’s Clinton County Legislature meeting, where longtime Legislator Sam Trombley made his position crystal clear: “I am against gay marriage.”
Trombley (R-Area 2, Ellenburg) told fellow legislators that he feels it is important to go on record against the state-level proposal to allow gay marriage.
“Just because we are legislators, people think we go along with everything in this state, but that’s not the case. I believe strongly in this, and if you don’t say what you feel because you are afraid of losing votes, then what good are you?”
Trombley, 72, who has served on the legislature since 1983, has long been a supporter of groups who oppose abortion.
He said Wednesday night that he agrees with the Catholic bishops in the state, who are calling on the State Legislature to defeat any gay-marriage proposals.
“This proposal, for which there is no compelling state interest and which will weaken rather than strengthen the institution of marriage, (should be defeated),” Trombley read from a prepared statement.
“Marriage has always been — and is now and always will be — in a union of one man and one woman in a bond. This is consistent with biology and natural law and should be obvious to all, no matter what their religion or even if they have no religion at all.”
Trombley said it is getting harder and harder to teach children family values, with proposals like gay marriage.
“What is this country coming to? What kind of answers are we going to be able to give to our kids?”
Local News
Sen. Little still opposes same-sex marriage
- New Today
-
-
Peru gets $500,000 for water project
The USDA Rural Development program will provide Peru with the non-matching funds to help complete the town's water-district upgrade.
-
Essex County discusses random drug testing for all
Now, only employees who hold commercial driver's licenses are in the target group.
-
Peru gets $500,000 for water project
- Local News
-
-
Testimony: Rennie blood on Rivers's jeans
In a third day of the manslaughter trial, forensic evidence shows blood on jeans, sneakers.
-
Move afoot to explore city-manager idea
Plattsburgh businessman Neil Fessette has raised the idea of investigating the possibility of changing the form of government from a strong-mayor type to a city-manager system with a ceremonial mayor.
-
Town housing project approved
The Homestead on Ampersand includes 64 apartments in four buildings on both sides of Ampersand Drive in the Town of Plattsburgh.
-
Champlain Bridge lights getting fixed
It's not yet known whether the state or the subcontractor who installed the lighting will pay the bill.
-
Busy border expected this weekend
Border Protection offers advice for smoother crossings.
-
Sister support comes on strong
Despite many medical issues, including cancer and uncontrollable seizures, Tausha Henry is bolstered emotionally by her sister, Stephanie Boardman, who has created a nonprofit to help with medical and other costs.
-
Wilder Farm opens Saturday
This year's activities include a Children's Art Show, and the August grand opening of a one-room schoolhouse may include an appearance by two actors from TV's "Little House on the Prairie."
-
Of Interest: May 24, 2013
Take a brief look at news of note around the North Country.
-
Community Calendar: May 24, 2013
A look at upcoming events, meals, talks, meetings and more.
-
St. Mary's invites community to annual bazaar
Festivities include an indoor craft fair, pageant, parade, carnival-style games, prizes, food, live entertainment and more.
- May 23, 2013
-
Flash-flood watch in place today
Much of the North Country could see heavy rain develop quickly at times today and into the Memorial Day weekend, according to National Weather Service mapping.
-
Tax-Free NY unveiled by governor
Local officials hail initiative that will provide tax-free status to new businesses located on or near universities or colleges in New York.
-
Police start criminal investigation into fatal accident
No charges had been filed as of Wednesday.
-
Wife testifies in manslaughter case
In Essex County Court on Wednesday, Angela Rivers said her husband, Michael, told her to keep her mouth shut after he took part in the beating of Robert M. Rennie last August.
-
Tribe eager to reclaim land
A lawsuit filed in 1982 and nearly settled in 2005 will be the starting point for renewed talks between the St. Regis Mohawks and New York state.
-
Former Keene councilor still in jail
DA's Office says embezzlement case still pending against Lawrence Jaques, who allegedly stole nearly $500,000 from employer.
-
Locals show support for Boy Scouts
Sponsors of the Adirondack District Scouts gathered at American Legion Post 20 recently for the Friends of Scouting Plattsburgh Breakfast, where keynote speaker and Development Corporation President and CEO Paul Grasso spoke of the value of scouting.
-
Testimony: Rennie blood on Rivers's jeans



