N.Y. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who has been a champion of LGBT equality and lobbied strongly in favor of DADT’s repeal, on Tuesday sent a letter to lawmakers in Albany urging them to pass a bill that would allow same-sex marriage in the state.
Capital Tonight published the text of Gillibrand’s letter:
“I am honored to stand with a solid majority of New Yorkers who support the effort to finally bring full marriage equality to New York.
“As you are aware, the New York State Assembly passed marriage equality during the two preceding legislative sessions, in both 2007 and in 2009. ”
“Five other states – Iowa, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont, as well as the District of Columbia – have adopted similar measures. A number of court cases and legislative initiatives across the country appear poised, over time, to rule in favor of full marriage equality.”
“This year, new leadership is preparing again to consider this important measure. As elected leaders, we must reaffirm our commitment to equal rights and equal protection under the law for all New Yorkers. ”
“Equal protection under the law has been a hallmark of the American legal, social and political system since the founding of the republic. In this instance, I believe that this principle must be extended to all of those in our state who seek the civil contract of marriage and the numerous legal rights, protections and benefits that only the status of marriage confers.”
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