Freedom to Marry Forum in Canton UpNorth Forum Home

Eileen Raymond and Donna Williamson, Canton, display their Vermont Civil Union certificate

  Overview: Canton Church Hosts Forum on Marriage Equality (4:16)

Nearly 100 people gathered at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Canton for the "Freedom to Marry" forum in April 2004. St. Lawrence County gay and lesbian couples, supporters of same-sex marriage and clergy shared their experiences. 

Eileen Raymond and Donna Williamson, (5:15) of Canton, on their Civil Union ceremony in Vermont in 2000.

Gary Berk and Bryan Thompson, (4:19) of DeKalb, have been together almost 20 years and share their farm with two adopted children.

Alex and Carol Neubert, (5:06) of Canton, tell of their youngest daughter Martha and her partner Lisa.

Noam Pollischer, (4:00) a Clarkson University student, on "coming out" to his family and his hopes for the future.

Rabbi Michael Greenwald, (3:44) a professor in the Department of Religious Studies at St. Lawrence University, says entire religious bodies in the U.S. support same-sex marriage.

Alan Spector and Jon-Paul Bingham, (8:55) a bi-national Potsdam couple, speaking about their wedding ceremony conducted under the auspices of Reform Judaism, and immigration challenges.

Ross Levi, (21:49) director of public policy and governmental affairs for Empire State Pride Agenda, with a legal and political overview of the issue.