North Fork Same-Sex Couples Are Ready to Wed

Matilde Busana has an idea. Why not get all the gay couples who want to get married on Sunday – the day the goes into effect – to gather in in Greenport and have Mayor David Nyce officiate in a group ceremony followed by a big party?

It sounds like great fun, but for Busana, a homeowner in Southold, and her partner of 23 years, Bronwyn Guthrie, the new law means so much more than an excuse to party. It’s recognition by the state that their relationship is on par with any other. And it’s another step toward federal recognition of their bond, which would legitimize the rights of gay immigrants. Both women moved here from Australia.

Federal recognition is a goal on Peter Clarke’s horizon also. He and his partner of 10 years, Anthony Vincent, have already held a commitment ceremony and are talking about getting married in a small ceremony with family and friends, but nationwide acceptance would put to rest Clarke's fear about their future: access to Medicare and Medicaid.

“Older senior citizen couples depend on that,” he said. “As it is now, we cannot enjoy each others benefits. We’re only in our 50s, but we have to think ahead.”

Both couples were disappointed in the votes of area state senators. Ken LaValle, R-Port Jefferson, who has been in the state senate for 35 years, voted against the bill, as did all the senators from Long Island.

But politics does not have to get in the way of creating a union.

Clarke and Vincent will take the plunge, and given what they’ve been hearing among the gay community on the North Fork, Clarke said they’ll be in good company.

“We didn’t wait to sanctify our relationship; we did it with the blessing of family and friends,” he said. At the same time he’s “thrilled that the law’s changed; this has been going on in my life since I was 17. It feels good, I’ve got to tell you.”

Mayor David Nyce said he’s had inquires about officiating at some weddings on Sunday but there’s nothing definite. “I am honored that anyone would ask,” he said.

So if the thing in the park doesn’t go down on Sunday afternoon, that’s OK for Busana. Guthrie will be flying home from India on Saturday and getting married the next day might be a little much, she said.

But they have talked about it. They envision going to city hall in Manhattan, which is across the street from their apartment.

“We like the idea of going there,” she said. “Because that’s where everybody goes.”