Dear Friend,
One year ago this week, with the world watching, we passed the Marriage Equality Act, granting same-sex couples the freedom to marry under the law, as well as hundreds of rights, benefits, and protections that had been limited to married couples of the opposite sex.
In celebration of this anniversary and LGBT Pride Week, we've encourage New Yorkers to share what marriage equality means to them. Hundreds of New Yorkers have shared their stories on my Facebook page. I wanted to share a few of these touching sentiments with you, as well as encourage you to view them all and share your own by clicking here .
"It means to me PEACE, COMFORT AND JOY that my son, if and when he chooses, will be able to know that his heart's commitment is no less than his Dad's and mine :') Thank you with every beat of my heart, Governor Cuomo!!"
- Patti B.
"Sunday will mark the One Year Anniversary of the historic moment NYS changed its law book to be closer to the ideals the country was founded upon, that ALL people are created equal, and should be treated as such."
- John S.
"Thank you Gov. Cuomo for having courage to do what is right in the face of what is easy." - Andrew W.
"My wife and I were in the gallery that night. It was a incredible moment."
- Mary Ann M.
"It means so much savings since I can be on my wife's health insurance. Not to mention a sense of equality that is hard to put into words."
- Andrea T.
I have been humbled by the outpouring of responses from New Yorkers, and I wanted to be sure others had the opportunity to read these stories and share their own.
Click here to post a story on my Facebook wall.
Last year, by working together, we delivered long overdue fairness and legal security to thousands of New Yorkers. Let us remember that moment and celebrate it as we join family and friends in Pride Week festivities.
Sincerely,
Andrew M. Cuomo