“Today’s decision by the Federal Appeals Court refusing to reconsider a ruling that found California’s ban on same-sex marriages to be unconstitutional is the next important victory in the fight for full equality.
With today’s decision, the courts have affirmed what we have always known- that denying anyone of their civil rights is wrong. Should the Supreme Court decide to hear this case, I’m confident that our nation’s highest court will rule on the side of justice.
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“I enthusiastically applaud Governor Cuomo for taking action to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana in public view.”
“Tens of thousands of lives a year are permanently damaged as a result of the current law, with communities of color disproportionately affected. The fact of the matter is that Black and Latino men are the most likely to be stopped, questioned and frisked and are then ordered to empty their pockets during these encounters.
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“Thousands of children enter first grade every year having never set foot in a classroom because under current City and State law, children do not have to enroll in kindergarten. Today’s Assembly’s passage of legislation to allow New York City to make kindergarten mandatory is a major step towards ensuring a strong educational start for New York’s five year olds.
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“Today, the Federal Appeals Court declared what we have always known to be true: that the so-called Defense of Marriage Act is an unconstitutional assault on our civil liberties. I’m pleased we’re one step closer to overturning harmful federal legislation that denies same-sex couples the right to wed, depriving them of the security and benefits of marriage.
With each passing day, and with the support of President Obama, we come that much closer to making marriage equality a reality for everyone across the nation.
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Legislative package will strengthen City’s ability to prevent and uncover fraud by extending whistleblower protections to employees of City contractors and subcontractors.
Council will also vote on resolutions to reauthorize an adequately funded Farm Bill and another calling on the State to reform the Rent Guidelines Board.
New York, NY- Today, the City Council will vote to extend the protection afforded by the City’s Whistleblower Law to employees of City contractors and subcontractors, and to encourage those with information about fraud against the City to report it.
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LGBT activists honored June 12th at Cooper Union
City Hall, NY-Speaker Christine C. Quinn and LGBT Caucus Members Daniel Dromm, Rosie Mendez, and Jimmy Van Bramer announced that star of stage and screen, Whoopi Goldberg, will be the Master of Ceremonies for the Council’s Celebration of Pride next month.
Goldberg is an Emmy, Tony, Grammy, and Academy Award winner and the co-host of ABC’s ‘The View.’ On June 12th at Cooper Union’s Great Hall, Goldberg and the Council will honor LGBT activists for their work to bring justice and equality to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people of New York City.
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“After the jury in the Tyler Clementi bullying case showed such courage, the system of justice has failed. Dharun Ravi’s bullying contributed to Tyler’s death. Yet, Mr. Ravi has shown no remorse and accepted no responsibility in the case. Still, the court sentenced him to only 30 days in jail. This is an outrageous slap in the face to all who believe in equal justice for all.
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Read the letter from Commissioner Kelly to Speaker Quinn
“This morning, I received a reply from Commissioner Kelly detailing actions the NYPD is taking in response to my letter and calls from others seeking reforms to stop and frisk procedures. The Commissioner has announced changes to officer training, monitoring, supervision, transparency, and accountability.
“With these actions today, Commissioner Kelly and the NYPD are taking an important step forward however, more must be done to significantly reduce the number of stops and to bridge the divide between the NYPD and the communities they serve.
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“Today, Governor Cuomo has taken an enormous step forward to end the stigmatization of poverty.
Governor Cuomo’s announcement that food stamp applicants in New York City will no longer be subjected to finger imaging sends the clear message to the tens of thousands of qualified New Yorkers who have been deterred from applying for assistance that receiving food stamps does not make you a criminal.
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“Today’s decision to grant class-action status to the plaintiffs in the stop, question and frisk lawsuit is an important step towards systemic reform of this practice.
I am extremely gratified by Judge Shira Scheindlin’s decision. Furthermore, I am pleased the judge cited the amicus brief filed by the Council’s Black Latino and Asian Caucus in rejecting the NYPD’s argument that systemic reform is not possible.
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