HRC Statement on Roy McDonald’s N.Y. Senate Run

Washington– New York State Senator Roy McDonald, one of four Republicans who voted to support marriage equality in the Empire State last year, has decided not to continue his re-election campaign. HRC President Chad Griffin issued the following statement:

“Roy McDonald stood on the right side of history and voted with the best interest of all New York families at heart when he stood up to support marriage equality. Today, as he ends his re-election campaign, the Human Rights Campaign is proud to stand by our friend Roy McDonald, and we commend him not only for his service to the people of New York, but for the critical role he played in ensuring that all loving, committed same-sex couples in New York have the right to marry. Voting to affirm the dignity of others is never something to regret or be ashamed of – it’s something to be proud of.

“Republicans like Roy McDonald are representative of the growing support nationwide for LGBT equality. Americans are supporting marriage equality in growing numbers –regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion, or even political affiliation. Let me be clear: Roy McDonald and his Republican colleagues who supported marriage equality in New York are not the exception, they are the norm. As the tide of equality continues lifting up LGBT people across this country, we fully expect to see more and more politicians take positions supporting LGBT rights – simply because it is the right thing to do.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

Contact Us

To make a general inquiry, please visit our contact page. Members of the media can reach our press office at: (202) 572-8968 or email press@hrc.org.