BREAKING: Marriage Equality Bill Passes NY Assembly
May 12, 2009
Vote is 89 to 52... here's HRC President Joe Solmonese's statement (full release here):
"It's great to see the Assembly strongly re-affirm its support for marriage equality. It's time for the Senate, which now has pro-equality leadership, to ensure that loving, committed same-sex couples in New York can have the same rights and responsibilities under the law as loving, committed different-sex couples," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "Congratulations to Assemblyman O'Donnell, Marriage Equality New York, Empire State Pride Agenda, and other activists who have been working for years to achieve equality for same-sex couples and their families in New York."
And here's a note from HRC National Field Director Marty Rouse (who by the way was born and raised on Long Island):
Now that the Assembly has passed the marriage bill for the second legislative session in a row, all eyes move to the state Senate. Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith has pledged to bring the vote up when the votes are there and openly gay state Senator Tom Duane recently stated that he is confident the bill will pass this year with "votes to spare." Governor David Paterson supports the bill. Great thanks to all the legislators who voted for the bill today, but a special shoutout to Danny O'Donnell, who made the passage of this bill in 2007 and today a personal priority. His leadership made all the difference. Thank you, Danny! In order to get the bill passed, supporters of marriage equality must contact their state Senators. You can contact your senator by calling 518-455-2800 or go to the state senate website to find your state senator by entering your address. HRC's Harlem-based organizer Anthony Hayes has been helping organize and mobilize support across the state, particularly on Long Island and Queens. He'll be joined soon by more organizers from HRC across the state. HRC will continue to work with Marriage Equality New York, ESPA, and other groups to pass the marriage bill this year. Let's celebrate the Assembly victory and thank the members who voted for the bill, but then focus on the state senate like a laser beam.
Read more recent stories from New York. And check out Anthony Hayes' posts about his efforts in the Empire State.
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