NEWS AND ISSUES
Senator Duane Calls on Senators to Pass Marriage Equality, End Discrimination in New York; Same-Sex Couples, Legislators Stand Witness to Inequality
June 1, 2009
Albany, NY — Today Senator Thomas K. Duane (D-WFP Manhattan), the prime sponsor of marriage equality legislation in the State Senate, was joined by same-sex couples from across New York State in Albany to show their love and commitment to each other in light of the fact that New York denies them the basic legal right of marriage. Senator Duane was joined at the event by his partner of nearly 17 years, Louis Webre.
“We must and we will pass marriage equality,” said Senator Duane. “I invited these couples to come here today and stand witness before my Senate colleagues, and indeed all New Yorkers, to the experience of being denied equal treatment under the law.”
Senator Duane continued, “These are regular people with regular problems. They have been denied their civil rights. The Senate can make their lives easier. These are difficult times, but in good times and in bad, they deserve to have the same right to marriage as any other loving couple. These people, these couples, these families: they add so much to our state. Denying them the right to marry is wrong; legally and morally. This must change and it will change this year.”
Legislators from the Assembly, (who voted in favor of marriage equality in May by a vote of 89 to 52), and Senators supportive of the legislation joined Senator Duane at the gathering. Senator Duane highlighted the stories of several same-sex couples in New York State who have endured unnecessary hardships because they were not allowed to marry.
Senator Duane ended by stating, “Same-sex couples can tell countless stories of discrimination and inequality in this state. Couples are forced to choose between staying in New York, and being treated like second class citizens, or getting married in another jurisdiction and trying to determine which spousal rights New York may or may not recognize. It is hard to believe that in 2009 New York sanctions this form of discrimination. I find it hard to believe that any of my Senate colleagues could look these couples in the eye and explain to them why their love does not deserve marriage.”
In 2001, Senator Duane was the first New York State legislator to introduce a same-sex marriage bill. The current bill, S.4401, is pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee. There are thirteen Session days left in this year's Legislative Calendar.
