When the New York State Assembly passed the same-sex marriage bill (A7732) on May 12, 2009, it came as no surprise. Both opponents and proponents of gay marriage understood that the real battle was yet to come in the New York State Senate.

Rev. Jason J. McGuire, New Yorker’s for Constitutional Freedoms’ Legislative Director, said, “The Assembly passage of same-sex marriage was only the first half of a double header.  We’re coming back to play in the State Senate.”  McGuire went on to explain that no bill can become law without passing both legislative houses, and then only if signed by the governor. 

McGuire acknowledges that Governor Paterson is eagerly anticipating signing this legislation (Paterson has even staked his chances of running for reelection on it), but the bill has to make it through the State Senate first.  This is where McGuire says, pro-family organizations have their best chance of blocking what he calls “bad legislation”.

This is why New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms has launched a forty day plan designed to make sure that the bill fails to pass the Senate.  The idea for the forty day initiative was first prompted by pro-family ally, Mr. Stephen Hayford, Esq., a member of the Coalition to Save Marriage in New York.  Hayford and McGuire discussed their ideas and drew up a strategy known as “Forty Days 4 Marriage”.

Forty days marks the time between the New York State Assembly’s passage of same-sex marriage legislation on May 12, 2009, and the end of the legislative session on June 22, 2009.  The reference to forty days however, is much more than just a legislative countdown.  Rev. Tom Stiles, Director of Church Relations with the New Yorker’s Family Research Foundation, notes that there is strong biblical imagery connected to the number forty. Stiles points to the fact that:

• In the Book of Numbers the twelve Hebrew spies spent forty days scouting the land of Canaan (Num. 13:25; 14:34). 
• Moses interceded for the people of Israel for forty days and nights (Deut. 9:25; 10:10).
• Goliath stood before the Israelites cursing their God for forty days, before young David defeated him with God’s help, a sling and a stone (1 Sam. 17:16).
• It was in only forty days that Nineveh was to be destroyed for her sin (Jonah 3:4), but Jonah’s preaching was used by God to bring revival to the people of Nineveh and they were spared from judgment.

Stiles believes that in this forty day window, God may once again bring a great victory for those who hold to the biblical definition of marriage – one man and one woman.

McGuire says that there are four components of the “Forty Days 4 Marriage” initiative.  He is encouraging Christians across the state of New York to take four actions over the next forty days.

Pray 4 Your State Senator

There is tremendous pressure being applied to state senators in these final days of the legislative session.  Some advocating for same-sex marriage have even been sending death threats to senators that oppose gay marriage. As your senator considers his or her vote during the “Forty Days” campaign, intercede for them.  Pray a hedge of protection around them and their families.  Ask the God of the Bible to intervene in their lives, to turn their hearts toward truth, and that each senator would have the courage to do what is right.

Ask 4 Friends to Contact the Senate

As senators weigh their decision on whether or not to expand the definition of marriage to include same-sex couples, they need to hear from constituents encouraging support for the traditional definition of marriage. 

Contacting your senator is as simple as dialing (518) 455-2800.  Simply ask for your state senator by name and you will be connected to their office.  If you are uncertain who your state senator is, simply visit New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms' Legislative Action Center to find out.

There is even a feature on the Legislative Action Center that will allow you to encourage friends to contact their state senator under the action alert entitled “Senate May Soon Act on Same-Sex Marriage.”

Attend the “Stand 4 Marriage” Rally

On Sunday, May 17, 2009, thousands of Hispanic Christians rallied in front of Governor David Paterson’s New York City offices. On Tuesday, June 9, 2009, thousands more will stand for marriage on the East Steps of the Capitol in Albany, NY, beginning at 10:30 AM.

Already tentatively scheduled to attend are Sen. Rev. Ruben Diaz (D - Bronx), Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council, Bishop Harry Jackson, Jr. of the High Impact Leadership Coalition, National Organization for Marriage's Maggie Gallagher, State Conservative Party Chairman Michael Long, and many pro-family legislators.

All are welcome – including children.  It is important that we remind legislators that marriage is about the needs of children, and not just the preferences of adults. 

Please feel free to bring your own signs with statements about marriage, but please remember to keep these signs respectful and honoring to the God we serve and will be representing that day.  No sticks will be permitted for safety reasons.

The rally begins at 10:30 AM and lasts until 12:30 PM.  After 12:30 PM, attendees are strongly encouraged to go in the State Capitol and let our legislators know that there is tremendous support for the traditional definition of marriage throughout the State of New York.  Some attendees will be participating in prayer rallies at each of the four corners of Capitol as well.

A Promotional Poster can be downloaded here. (3.25MB file)

Bulletin inserts can be downloaded here.

Rev. McGuire says, “Simply put it takes resources to get a message out.  If there is no money, there is no way of communicating the message.”  New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms is encouraging concerned citizens to give $40.00 for marriage within the next forty days.  New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms is receiving online donations at their website.  You can give by simply clicking here.

Please remember that these gifts are not tax-deductible as these funds will be used for lobbying against same-sex marriage both in Albany, and across the State of New York.