'I'm Not Guilty' Gay Marriage Mayor Tells Judge
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff

(New Paltz, New York)  New Paltz mayor Jason West pleaded innocent Wednesday evening to 19 charges that he violated New York State law by performing weddings for same-sex couples without marriage licenses. 

Hundreds of supporters cheered as the mayor exited the small courthouse after his arraignment.

Last week West married more than 20 same-sex couples in ceremonies in front of the New Paltz village hall. (story) Since then more than 1,000 others have registered on the village's Web site.

As he left the court a defiant West, 26, said the charges will not deter him from performing more weddings for gay and lesbian couples this weekend in the small village north of New York City.

One of those couples will be the mayor of nearby Nyack and his same-sex partner.  Earlier today Mayor John Shields announced he will also perform same-sex marriages, and said he was looking forward to be being married by West. (story)

The two mayors said they would ignore a decision by state Attorney General  Elliot Spitzer that it is illegal to marry same-sex couples.  Spitzer said that a a review of state law has led him to conclude it is illegal to marry same-sex couples.

"I personally would like to see the law changed, but must respect the law as it now stands," Spitzer said in a statement.

The charges brought by Ulster County District Attorney Donald A. Williams against West have angered gay rights advocates. 

"Legal experts believe that New York law permits Mayor West's actions," said Matt Foreman, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director. 

"We believe the New York State Constitution compels them. The just and appropriate way to decide this issue is through civil court, not by bringing criminal charges. Clearly, DA Williams is abusing his powers and the criminal justice system by bringing charges purely as a publicity stunt," Foreman said in a statement.

Congressman Barney Frank also objected to the charges, which carry a maximum sentence of 1 year in prison . 

"The courts are fully capable of deciding this issue in civil lawsuits.  Bringing a criminal action against a mayor who has harmed no one and is fighting through the legal system for his point of view is an outrageous, mean-spirited assault that represents a greater misuse of the legal process than anything being done by the proponents of same-sex marriage," Frank said.

Tomorrow, same-sex couples plan to go to the New York City Clerk's office en masse to demand marriage licenses. Up to 1,000 people are expected at an early morning demonstration at city hall.

But, Mayor Michael Bloomberg had a simple message for the demonstrators: Don't bother.

Bloomberg said he will follow Spitzer's advice and continue to refuse to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

"I think that people that want to change the marriage laws should go to Albany. That's where laws are made. For those that want to grandstand and recommend that we break the law, I think their time would be much better spent in trying to actually affect the change that they say they want, rather than just go out there for political purposes,'' the mayor said.

Last weekend a group of city politicians joined LGBT activists to call on Bloomberg to "do the right thing". (story) 

On the west coast today, Portland, Oregon began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. (story) And, in Washington, a Republican led committee on a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage held hearings. (story)

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