“I am extremely encouraged by statements made by Pope Francis about the Catholic Church’s relationship with women and LGBT people. Pope Francis has shown great courage by breaking with archaic attitudes that completely exclude women and harshly condemn LGBT people. While there is still much progress to be made, including granting women equal footing in the Church and recognizing all people’s right to marry, Pope Francis has presented the opportunity for a historic new level of openness in the Church.

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“We are pleased with Judge Scheindlin’s decision to deny the City’s request for a stay in the litigations concerning the NYPD’s stop and frisk tactics. As the Court noted from the declarations submitted by the Council and other public officials in opposition to the City’s motion, a stay would not be in the public interest, which is in ending the practice of unconstitutional stops.

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Legislation will bring about the reforms necessary to restore the public’s trust in an office that is an essential part of the criminal justice process

Council will also vote to require a two-year pilot for the collection and composting of organic waste

New York, NY- Today, the City Council will vote on legislation to make the City’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) more accountable and transparent – reforms that are necessary for restoring the public’s confidence in an office that is a vital part of the criminal justice process.

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FoodWorks initiative has proven successful in creating more jobs, improving public health and protecting the environment

New York, NY– Today, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn unveiled a report showing significant improvements to the city’s food system with the help of FoodWorks – a comprehensive plan that sets forth a vision for a more sustainable food system. The report provides updates on the Speaker’s plan, which made recommendations in the areas of agriculture, processing, distribution, consumption and post-consumption.

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Filing Seeks to Block Mayor Bloomberg’s Request for a Stay of the Decision

New York, NY- Today, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn unveiled a legal declaration to support the recent court ruling instituting much needed reforms to stop and frisk, and oppose Mayor Bloomberg in his attempt to block the court ruling from taking effect. Quinn and other members of the City Council have been working closely with the plaintiff’s counsel, the Center for Constitutional Rights, to oppose any stay pending the appeal, and to urge the Second Circuit Court to uphold the district court decision.

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“Today, the federal government has brought our nation one step closer to full equality for all people. The Treasury Department and IRS’ announcement that they will now recognize all legally married same-sex couples for federal tax purposes, even in states that have not yet granted their citizens the right to marry, will increase equality across America.

No one should be deprived the federal protections of marriage because of who they love.

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Speaker Quinn, Council Members Jimmy Van Bramer, Rosie Mendez, Inez Dickens, Robert Jackson, Daniel Dromm and the Center for Anti-Violence Education will teach violence prevention strategies to keep New Yorkers safe

New York, NY- Following the brutal killing of a transgender woman in Harlem last week, Speaker Christine C. Quinn, the City Council LGBT Caucus, Council Member Robert Jackson and Council Member Inez Dickens today announced they will sponsor a free, communitywide self-defense class in Manhattan.

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“We are outraged by reports of a possible hate crime that resulted in the tragic death of a transgender woman in Harlem. The 21 year old victim was walking home with friends when she was brutally assaulted. The victim was placed on life-support over the weekend, and passed away yesterday afternoon.

An attack against one person, or one community is an assault against all New Yorkers.

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Legislation aims to reduce harmful emissions, keeping New York City on track to reduce emissions by 30% by 2020
Council will also vote to override the Mayor’s veto of two bills related to City’s Police Department

New York, NY- Today, the City Council will vote on a package of legislation to make City vehicles cleaner and greener by reducing harmful emissions.

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New Yorkers Can Now Log On To www.nyc.gov/housingconnect And Apply To Five New Affordable Developments

City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) Commissioner Mathew M. Wambua, and NYC Housing Development Corporation President Marc Jahr today announced the official launch of NYC Housing Connect, the City’s affordable housing lottery website. NYC Housing Connect simplifies and eases the housing lottery process by allowing New Yorkers to fill out a single online application that can be saved and edited, which can be used to apply to multiple new housing lotteries.

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