New York State Catholic Conference Executive Director Richard E. Barnes made the following statement today regarding Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s plan to impose “same-sex marriage” on New Yorkers:

“The New York State Catholic Conference is strongly opposed to Gov. Spitzer’s proposal to recognize so-called ‘same sex marriage’ in New York State. This bill, along with another recent proposal designed to promote abortion on demand, signals a very troubling, radical turn for this new administration.

“Marriage is not some political term of art that can be reimagined or redefined according to the whims of the popular culture. This enduring institution was literally designed by God and predates all recorded human history. Its fundamental characteristic is the union of two complementary partners, one male and one female, who come together in mutual love and for the procreation and stable rearing of children. You can no more redefine the term ‘marriage’ as you can redefine the term ‘mother’ or ‘father.’

“Because stable family structures and the health, safety and happiness of children are compelling state interests, governments the world over have given legal recognition to marriages. Government did not create marriage, however. It merely recognizes their value to the state, and therefore, through this legal recognition, provides various rights and benefits which are designed with the good of children in mind. There is no valid reason why the state would have an interest in recognizing homosexual relationships through marriage contracts or civil unions because children do not result from homosexual sexual activity. This is not to say that homosexual persons should not be treated with compassion and respect. Of course they should. Our shared human dignity demands that unjust discrimination against anyone must be avoided. However, ‘same-sex marriage’ contradicts the very essence and purpose of marriage.

“We urge both houses of the Legislature to reject the Governor’s move to trample on this most enduring human institution, and we urge Mr. Spitzer to turn back from his radical course.”

The Catholic Conference represents New York State’s Bishops in matters of public policy.