QUINN ON MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Hope you don't mind but I wanted to share the following statement and press articles regarding an agreement by the City Clerk's Office to begin implementing steps to ensure that transgender New Yorkers have equal access to marriage licenses

- Sincerely, Christine C. Quinn, Speaker

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March 8, 2011

Statement by City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn

Re: Victory in Transgender Marriage License Case

Today is a great day in NYC for equality and justice. The City Clerk has made clear that transgender New Yorkers can expect the same treatment as all New Yorkers when they present themselves for a marriage license, and that an individual's appearance will have no bearing on the Clerk's decision to issue or not issue a marriage license. This ensures that all New Yorkers will be treated equally, with the dignity and respect they deserve from a government agency.

This case stems from a complaint my office received from a transgender opposite sex couple who was refused a marriage license by the City Clerk's Office. In response to this complaint, the Clerk's Office has agreed to implement new guidelines and training for the staff, so that no other transgender couples will face this type of discrimination.

I want to thank the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund and the City Clerk's Office for working so hard to identify and create an atmosphere devoid of discrimination.

As New Yorkers, we should celebrate this important step in our effort to eradicate discrimination against transgender individuals, and in our work to ensure all New Yorkers have marriage equality.

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