Business Leaders, in Letter, Will Urge Albany (NY) to Legalize Gay Marriage

[Starbucks Anarchist]

Source: New York Times

Two dozen high-profile New York business leaders plan to release an open letter on Friday urging state lawmakers to legalize same-sex marriage, arguing that the measure would help companies attract and retain employees.

The letter’s release comes as Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and gay rights advocates prepare what they say will be a major push to pass legislation this spring that would make New York the sixth state in the nation to allow same-sex couples to wed. The letter’s signers, from the legal, financial and real estate worlds, include Lloyd C. Blankfein, the chief executive of Goldman Sachs; Jerry I. Speyer, chairman of Tishman Speyer Properties; and Paul E. Singer, a prominent hedge fund executive.

“In an age where talent determines the economic winners, great states and cities must demonstrate a commitment to creating an open, healthy and equitable environment in which to live and work,” the letter reads. “As other states, cities and countries across the world extend marriage rights regardless of sexual orientation, it will become increasingly difficult to recruit the best talent if New York cannot offer the same benefits and protection.”

The letter reflects efforts by gay rights advocates to broaden their coalition after an embarrassing defeat in Albany, where a proposal to legalize same-sex marriage lost in the State Senate in 2009. This year, advocates are focusing on a few Democrats and Republicans who are thought to be open to switching their votes.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/29/nyregion/gay-marriage-gets-backing-from-new-york-business-leaders.html

[TheWraith]

1. Rumor has it Governor Cuomo might be "trading" independent redistricting for the marriage bill.

In other words, he would drop his push for non-partisan redistricting, and let the legislature gerrymander New York to death again, if they'll pass the marriage bill.

[brooklynite]

2. I'd take that deal...

New York would become the largest state to freely and clearly endorse marriage rights, and the legislature couldn't possibly get any worse...