Students rally for same sex marriage

"What do we want? Equality. When do we want it? Now!"

Students gathered last Wednesday, April 28 in the amphitheater to protest New York State's ban on same sex marriage. Organized as a "Day of Action," hundreds of students gathered outside while organizers passed around petitions and handed out white ribbons.

Co-organizer and senior history major Adam Malchoff says the rally was a way to kick-start awareness for same-sex marriages.

"Ryan [Quinn] and I both wanted to do something once the state Senate rejected the marriage equality bill last semester," Malchoff said. "We wanted to raise awareness and create a stepping stone for something bigger."

Malchoff said the rally moved from the amphitheater to various locations around campus such as the library and the Williams Center. "We handed out papers to students to bring awareness to the situation.

Many believe the rally was a great way for students in favor of legalizing same-sex marriages to be heard.

"I thought the rally was a good way to drive people to action," said sophomore theater major Kelsay Raspin. "I think one of the big reasons people don't speak up is that they're afraid to or they don't know how to go about doing so." Raspin said the rally was a good way for students to make a difference through peaceful protest.

Students were urged during the rally to call their State assemblymen and senators and express the need for change in same-sex laws. According to the rally organizers, State assemblymen soon became frustrated with the overwhelming number of calls from Fredonia students but continued to take them during the four hour event.

Cathy Young (R), senator from the 57th Senate district in New York State, said the rally was a great way for students to voice their concerns.

"This rally reminds me of the one I took part in last year with students and college officials at SUNY Fredonia to protest Governor Paterson's awful increase and raid of students' tuition," Young said in an e-mail to The Leader. "It's great to have students exercising their Constitutional right of freedom of speech.  Of course, same sex marriage is a controversial issue, and I value and respect hearing people's varied opinions.  I have always worked hard to strengthen our SUNY system, and I have been directly involved in making many positive projects happen at Fredonia such as the building of the new soccer field, building the new Child Care Center, and securing funds for an amazing new science building.  I look forward to continuing to work with the students, faculty and administration on lots of positive things in the future." Young voted against a same-sex marriage bill in the state senate last December.

Malchoff hopes to see more rallies before next year's Senate election. "I hope the issue of same-sex marriage becomes a major topic in a few Senate races," he said. "Maybe then we can see some results."