New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. today issued the following statement concerning the 38-24 vote in the State Senate on legislation to permit same-sex marriage in New York:
I am saddened and disheartened that this measure has failed to pass our Senate. This groundbreaking legislation would have been a giant step forward for so many people who have not been afforded the same protections and freedoms enjoyed by their neighbors, coworkers, family members and friends in our state.
I applaud our Governor and our Senate leaders - particularly Senator Tom Duane - for bringing this measure forward, particularly at a time when strides have turned into setbacks for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities across our nation.
While this is a significant loss, I am proud to be a New Yorker on a day in which many of our state leaders stated unequivocally that love should be the only prerequisite for granting a couple a marriage license. This is a sad day for human rights in New York.
THOMPSON STATEMENT ON