Gov. Andrew Cuomo vetoed a bipartisan bill that was passed by the New York state legislature because of his hatred of President Donald Trump.
The Democratic New York governor claimed the bill allowing federal judges to officiate at weddings was a problem because those judges could be appointed by Trump, who “does not embody who we are as New Yorkers.”
(Video: CBS New York)
The innocuous New York Senate Bill S6330A was sponsored by Democrat Sen. Liz Krueger in the state Senate and Democratic Assemblywoman Jamie Romeo and passed with an overwhelming bipartisan majority of 61-1 votes in the Senate back in June. Only two votes were cast against it in the 150-member Assembly.
“The purpose of this bill is to expand judges who are eligible to solemnize a marriage to include all federal court of appeals and federal district judges,” the bill read.
But Cuomo nixed the proposal that would have allowed federal judges to perform marriage ceremonies in New York, using Trump as his ridiculous reason to veto the non-controversial legislation supported by members of both parties.
Cuomo’s justification for vetoing a bill that would let more federal judges officiate weddings: Some of them were appointed by Trump pic.twitter.com/RjchipPADE
— Bill Mahoney (@mahoneyw) December 21, 2019
“I cannot in good conscience support legislation that would authorize such actions by federal judges who are appointed by this federal administration. President Trump does not embody who we are as New Yorkers,” Cuomo said in his veto statement.
“The cornerstones that built our great State are diversity, tolerance, and inclusion,” he added, repeating his final remark. “Based on these reasons, I must veto this bill. Based on these reasons, I must veto this bill.”
Only certain federal judges are eligible to preside over weddings in New York where the law permits all state judges to do so. The bill would have extended the authority to all federal judges, many from outside of New York. Nearly 190 federal judges appointed by Trump have been confirmed so far.
“Four years ago, we gave the governor the ability to perform marriages. Two years ago, we gave legislators that ability,” Krueger said in a statement.
“Marriage in New York is inclusive, equal, and open to all who want it. So when it was suggested to me that we expand it to federal judges, I thought, ‘Why not? The more the merrier!'” the lawmaker added. “I’m certainly no fan of the judges this president is choosing to appoint — but since any New Yorker can become a minister online for $25 and legally perform weddings, I didn’t consider this to be a major issue.”
Republicans slammed the Democrat governor for his “petty” move.
“It’s hard to imagine a more petty, small action from a sitting governor, but that’s Prince Andrew in a nutshell,’’ Nick Langworthy, chairman of the state Republican Party, said.
The veto is just “absurd,” according to Marc Molinaro, Cuomo’s former Republican rival for the governor seat, the New York Post reported.
“Couples can and do make the decision about who should officiate their most special day themselves,’’ Molinaro, currently serving as a Dutchess County executive, said. “My gosh, this state allows about any official to be a marriage officer.”
“Why should a federal judge not have the same ability” as those who can obtain a license online to be married, he wondered.
Twitter users weighed in, slamming the Democrat for letting his personal politics dictate hie decisions impacting the people of New York.
This is the most idiotic nonsense I’ve ever read. Now President Trump appointees are being shunned and targeted because Trump appointed them. If we ever allow another democrat to become President, we are stupid people. They’re communist! https://t.co/aNI9gT7Mqt
— my vote matters (@HashtagthisOk) December 23, 2019
Gov. Cuomo just vetoed a bill that would have allowed all federal judges to officiate at weddings in New York — saying he can’t stomach the idea that even some of the jurists might be President Trump appointees.
??PEAK #TDS ?@NYGovCuomo
Idiot.
— Femme Fatale (@RealBasedMAGA) December 23, 2019
Utter partisan lunacy! What difference does it make who performs the ceremony if it’s the choice of the couple being married? No wonder people are choosing to leave NY.
— PapaBear (@av8orfl) December 23, 2019
What a baby.
— Matt Pizzano (@Pizzano_82) December 23, 2019
Hey, NY Gov. Cuomo, you have hit a new low. You will not allow federal judges to officiate weddings in NY state because they might support Trump. Trump is POTUS and you are not. What you are is a petty gov. who is fiscally irresponsible.
— N Gold (@NGold60625144) December 23, 2019
Didn’t see that coming.
You can get ordained to officiate weddings in NY on the internet.
But fed judges precluded because they MIGHT be a Trump appointee.
— DPeck (@multigun1) December 23, 2019
Cuomo: “Our state is built on diversity, tolerance & inclusion”.
Also Cuomo: “We cannot tolerate or include anything related to Trump”.
?
— DonMcLubin (@DonMcLubin) December 21, 2019
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Originally from New York, Powers graduated from New York University and eventually made her way to sunny South Florida where she has been writing for the BizPacReview team since 2015.
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