May 10, 2004

A1123 will place a considerable barrier before a parent seeking to litigate custody exclusively for purposes of leverage or being vindictive. It will help cases settle and keep parents and kids together, even after divorce. "The only ones this bill will hurt are divorce lawyers, and they'll still have plenty of business." Said volunteer activist David Friedman. Today, unless parents agree to a joint custody arrangement, NY Courts as a general rule will 'award' sole legal custody to one parent. In over 90% of the cases it is the mother, even though, for example most parental child abuse is perpetrated by mothers. "The system is based on gender bias and junk science, not facts." continued Friedman, a researcher with the Children's Rights Council and founder of a divorce reform website www.silentmajority.info. "Many of these politically appointed judges couldn't find sand in the desert, yet in their wisdom they destroy families on a wholesale basis without juries" Legal fees into 100's of thousands are now common even in middle-class divorces. By engaging in this the courts are stealing children and assets. It sounds incredulous, but just look around you, Rudy Giuliani, Time Person of the Year, couldn't get joint custody. What are the qualifications in New York State to parent your own child?

Deborah Glick of Tribecca an openly lesbian committee member is expected to lead opposition to this bill, which would essentially give equal rights to men. Various groups are urging the public to call and fax lawmakers on the committee saying they support A1123. A list of contact numbers and concise material backing the argument for support can be found at www.silentmajority.info.