ALBANY – New York State prison officials have decided to allow conjugal visits for gay inmates involved in same-sex marriages or legal civil unions.
Recent corrections policy changes will also allow gay prisoners out on furloughs when their loved one is terminally ill. "If they seek a furlough based on the partner, it's likely it would be granted," said Peter Cutler, spokesman for the Department of Correctional Services.
Cutler said the regulation, which appeared in the state Register this week, formalized a policy change initiated in 2008 by then-Gov. David Paterson, who ordered all New York State agencies to recognize same-sex marriages that were legally performed in other states and civil unions.
Cutler said he was unaware of any inmate in a same-sex relationship who has yet had a conjugal visit, known officially as family reunions, but called “boneyard visits” by the inmates.
Approximately 20 of the state's 67 correctional facilities allow conjugal visits. As this is only a New York State law, it won't apply to inmates held in New York federal prisons
Gay marriage advocates welcomed the move, saying any recognition of same-sex relationships is a positive step - even when it occurs in the prisons.
"The more the state is consistent with that status of law the better off we are," said Ross Levi, executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda.
Current Gov. Cuomo has said legalizing gay marriage is a priority for his administration. Advocates hope his support will translate into enough political pressure to win over the Republican-controlled state Senate.
The Senate soundly rejected legislation legalizing same-sex marriage. The Democrat-controlled Assembly has repeatedly approved the measure. A recent Quinnipiac Poll showed 56% of New Yorkers support legalizing gay marriages.
"We continue to believe the environment for legalizing same-sex marriage remains strong," Levi said.
FOR MORE CRIME AND LEGAL NEWS
