Local News

As you probably all know, the Governor has submitted a bill in the legislature to make New York a leader in the struggle for marriage equality by becoming the 5th state to grant LGBT people the right to marry their same sex partner. Everyone at HRC is getting ready to educate legislators and engage the people of NY in this work.

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• Get the latest news and information on Marriage and Relationship Recognition nationally and more specifically, our work in  New York
• Learn More about relationship recognition and what HRC is doing to achieve it through the courts, through the legislatures, and through the people.

Read the Press Release:

Human Rights Campaign Applauds New York Governor for Introducing Marriage Bill

4/16/2009

WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, applauded New York Governor David Paterson for introducing marriage equality legislation that would recognize marriage equality for same-sex couples under state law. In 2007, pro-marriage equality legislation passed the state assembly but was blocked in the state senate.

“The introduction of marriage equality legislation is a strong statement by Governor Paterson and we applaud him for standing today in support of all loving and committed couples throughout New York,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.  “We are committed to doing the hard work needed to secure enough votes in the Senate and will stand side by side with Empire State Pride Agenda, Marriage Equality New York, and supporters throughout the state to win marriage equality in New York in this legislative session.”

HRC’s New York leadership is currently working with coalition partners to put a face on same-sex couples in loving and committed relationships who are being denied access to full marriage equality. Through letter writing campaigns, visits with legislators and conversations with friends, family, and neighbors, HRC and its membership in the state are engaged in an active effort to demonstrate the clear need for all couples in loving and committed relationships to
have the right to marry.

In the 2008 election season, HRC worked to elect three fair-minded senate candidates in the New York state Senate, including Brian Foley (SD-03); Joe Addabbo (SD-15); Jim Gennaro (SD-11), helping to change control of the Senate.  In addition, HRC trained more than 50 people in it’s Camp Equality™ election skills training held on Long Island.  In all, HRC New York PAC contributed over $120,000 and had two field staffers, plus a campaign college staffer on the ground.  After the elections, HRC teamed with Marriage Equality New York to host a post-election forum to discuss marriage equality in New York state.  HRC National Field Director Marty Rouse participated in that forum.  Read More »