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A VICTORY FOR THE LGBT COMMUNITY

newyorkcitycouncil~nyreblog.gifDear New Yorker,

 

Quinn1.jpgNew York State's recognition of marriage equality for same sex couples is an extraordinary step towards full equality for LGBT people.  At long last, the change we have fought so hard for will be seen in the lives of families throughout our great state, including my own.

 

As I remarked on Friday after the State's historic passage of marriage equality legislation, it's hard to describe the feeling of having the law of your State changed to say that you - what you know in your heart is true, that you are a full member of the State, and that your family is as good as any other family.  (You can view more of my remarks  here .)

 

Our thanks to Governor Cuomo, who made this one of his top priorities and never wavered.  He is a true hero to our community.  Majority Leader Skelos, Minority Leader Sampson, and Senator Duane put in tremendous work to pass this bill and deserve our deep gratitude.  Assembly Speaker Silver and Assembly Members O'Donnell, Glick and Titone have been relentless champions of our cause. 

 

This victory would never have happened without the tireless sweat and work of all the members of the New Yorkers United for Marriage coalition and the countless supporters whose belief and persistence gave the Senate the loud and clear message to extend marriage equality to all New Yorkers.  Thanks to my Council colleagues and Mayor Bloomberg for their eloquent calls for equality.

 

This is a victory for the LGBT community and for all New Yorkers.  No longer will families in New York have to worry about medical decision-making authority, inheritance rights, presumption of parenthood among many other rights and responsibilities.  Today true equality is closer than ever.

 

Sincerely,

Christine C. Quinn

Speaker 

NYC Council 

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/27/nyregion/council-speaker-christine-quinn-cautiously-celebrates-her-good-fortune.html?ref=nyregion

 

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