New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo vetoed a bill that would have allowed all federal judges to officiate weddings in the state.
“I cannot in good conscience support legislation that would authorize such actions by federal judges who are appointed by this federal administration,” he said in a statement Friday.
“President Trump does not embody who we are as New Yorkers,” Cuomo, a Democrat, said. “The cornerstones that built our great state are diversity, tolerance, and inclusion. Based on these reasons, I must veto this bill.”
The bill overwhelmingly passed in the Democrat-controlled state legislature earlier this year with support from both parties.
All state judges and many state and local officials can preside over weddings under current New York law. But state law allows only certain federal judges to officiate the ceremonies.
“Four years ago, we gave the governor the ability to perform marriages. Two years ago, we gave legislators that ability. So when it was suggested to me that we expand it to federal judges, I thought, ‘Why not? The more the merrier!’” Democratic state Sen. Liz Krueger, a sponsor of the bill, told the New York Post.
“It’s hard to imagine a more petty, small action from a sitting governor, but that’s Prince Andrew in a nutshell,” said Chairman of the state Republican Party Nick Langworthy, referring to Cuomo.
[Read more: Gov. Andrew Cuomo said pro-lifers ‘have no place’ in New York]
