New York Gay Marriage Bill Passes State Senate, Prompting Outpouring Of Reaction

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New York Gay Marriage Bill Passes State Senate, Prompting Outpouring Of Reaction (PHOTOS)


U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

"New York has always led the way for equal rights - from leading the suffrage movement, to Abraham Lincoln's remarkable speech opposing slavery speech at Cooper Union - and we have done it again. I want to thank Governor Cuomo for his extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment to marriage equality which brought home this great victory. I also want to thank the committed advocates who worked day in and day out, and all of the New York State lawmakers - Democrats and Republicans - who came together to uphold the fundamental American values of equality and justice for all.

"New York State has sent a powerful message to the rest of the nation. The right to get married and start a family is a basic, human right that must be shared by all Americans. Every loving, committed couple in America deserves this right. And no politician should stand in the way of this fact.


U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.)



"I am thrilled by today's victorious affirmation of the right of all New Yorkers to marry the person they love. I could not be more pleased that my own state has finally chosen to join the growing group of forward-looking states that have taken a bold, decisive, and just stand on civil rights for gay and lesbian citizens. In our nation's third most populous state, thousands of couples will now be able to receive the validation they deserve.

"But, of course, the federal government still lags behind. Now more than ever, we must pass the Respect for Marriage Act, my legislation to repeal the discriminatory DOMA, and allow New Yorkers and others who are - or will be - legally married to take part in the full measure of protections and obligations of federal law. Just last night in New York City, President Obama reiterated his belief that DOMA violates our Constitution and must be repealed.

more at link
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/24/new-york-gay-marriage-bil_n_884439.html#s298056&title=US_Rep_Jerrold


http://twitter.com/#!/GavinNewsom
California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on Twitter, "Thank you to NY State Legislature & Governor Cuomo for recognizing that marriage is more than a word: it's about dignity & equality."

Josh Marshall just posted some great pics!

http://media.talkingpointsmemo.com/slideshow/new-york-passes-gay-marriage-bill
Really must see pics from tonight outside the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village as the New York State senate voted on the marriage equality bill. Look.

[Distant Observer]

1. Congratulations to NY in helping lead the nation in championing human rights

[liberalmuse]

2. For them, and so many others...

http://tinyurl.com/6hvlvvo

[Lucinda]

3. KNR - Thanks!

[The Doctor.]

4. WTG NY!

Glad to be here and able to tell others how glad I am that they can be legally married. I don't care that there may be challenges to it, I'm happy for everyone here that this has occurred.

[ohheckyeah]

5. Wow...

so nice to have some GOOD NEWS for a change. Congratulations to New York!