Ogdensburg, NY, Jun 28, 2011 — The Catholic Church leads opposition to New York's new law legalizing same sex marriage. In a statement over the weekend, Bishop Terry LaValley of the Diocese of Ogdensburg called the law "deeply disappointing and troubling."

The statement calls marriage between a man and a woman the only "authentic" marriage.

David Sommerstein spoke yesterday with Bishop LaValley about the new law and about his parishioners reaction to his statement.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Apr 21, 2011 — Advocates for same sex marriage are launching an all out effort to legalize gay marriage in New York before the legislative session ends. And they're getting a big assist from Governor Andrew Cuomo. Karen Dewitt reports from Albany.  Go to full article

Watertown, NY, Dec 21, 2010 — President Obama is expected to sign the measure repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell tomorrow. The Senate voted to end the 17 year-old policy barring gays or lesbians from military service.

The policy shift is a big victory for gay rights. Polls show it has the support of a significant majority of Americans. Still, many people around Fort Drum were struggling with the new reality yesterday. David Sommerstein went to Watertown's Salmon Run Mall to sample opinion and filed this report.  Go to full article

Apr 20, 2004 — Hate speech and hate crimes are on the rise on college campuses across the country. St. Lawrence University is coping with several recent cases of violence, threats of violence, and discrimination. The incidents range from racial and homophobic slurs to a phoned death threat and a physical assault on a campus running trail. As David Sommerstein reports, the incidents have sparked a debate over how to confront a very persistent problem.  Go to full article

Apr 20, 2004 — David Sommerstein talked with St. Lawrence University students outside the student center to learn how they see discriminatory harassment issues on campus.  Go to full article

Aug 06, 2002 — A gay rights group is blaming Gov. Pataki for the state legislature's failure to pass a bill prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Karen DeWitt reports.  Go to full article

Feb 26, 2001 — Heuvelton Central School added sexual orientation to its discrimination policies this month. It's one of a handful of districts in the region sending a clear message that anti-gay behavior won't be tolerated. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article