Speaker Christine C. Quinn:

“I am appalled by the latest act of anti-Semitic vandalism in Brooklyn. Hateful crimes that attempt to terrorize our neighborhoods will not be tolerated. New Yorkers enjoy a proud tradition of celebrating diversity and we will not stand for these cowardly attacks. I thank the NYPD Hate Crimes task force for their swift action, and urge anyone with information to contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1 -866-313-TIPS.”

Council Member Brad Lander:

“This despicable act of anti-Semitism pains our community, but brings us together.

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“We’re thrilled the amendment to the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) has passed both the State Assembly and Senate and that cyberbullying will be defined and included in New York State’s first anti-bullying legislation. Cyberbullying is a real and serious form of harassment to which too many New York City students have fallen victim, as was discussed at last summer’s City Council Cyberbullying Summit.

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Speaker Quinn said: “In order to identify and combat elder abuse, we must do everything we can to ensure that some of our most vulnerable residents and those who provide services to them are well-informed about the issue. Older adults must know how to protect themselves and ways to access help. The City has resources available to prevent elder abuse and is committed to helping older adults live independently and with dignity, without the threat of neglect and mistreatment.

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“I am deeply concerned by reports of the bottle throwing melee that injured more than five people in SoHo this week. That is why I have immediately convened an emergency meeting next week between my office, the NYPD, and the nightlife industry. The purpose of this meeting is to send a clear message to all nightclub patrons that bottles cannot be used as weapons and to determine if the guidelines surrounding bottle service need to be updated or reworked.”

“This emergency meeting builds upon the Council’s work beginning in 2006, when we convened a summit meeting with the NYPD, the nightlife industry and other community stakeholders.

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“Today’s immigration policy change by the Obama Administration signals an important turning point in our Nation’s history for the nearly 400,000 undocumented immigrant youth here in New York, many of whom call New York City their home. This decision is also particularly timely in light of the 30th anniversary of Plyler v. Doe, which gave undocumented immigrants the right to an education.”

“Our young immigrants have faced insurmountable obstacles in their pursuit of an education, happiness and the American dream.

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Speaker Quinn said:

“I am deeply disappointed that New York Senate Republicans voted against a bill to ensure that low-income people living with HIV/AIDS who qualify for rental assistance pay no more than 30 percent of their income on rent. Championed by Senator Tom Duane, this legislation could prevent people with HIV/AIDS and their families from living on the streets.

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City Hall, NY-New York City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Council Members Julissa Ferreras and James Vacca along with elected officials and advocates applauded the passage of legislation to be voted on by the Council to combat sex trafficking in New York City. New York City is a major destination for victims of sex trafficking and will be the first jurisdiction to focus on transporters of trafficking victims.

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MWBEstat would dramatically increase accountability.

New York, NY – Today, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn announced legislation to establish an accountability system to enforce the City’s Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) law. Speaker Quinn’s proposed system, MWBEstat, would improve the City’s tracking and monitoring of its use of MWBE contractors and subcontractors, requiring officers from each City agency to periodically meet and report to the Mayor on their progress towards meeting the participation goals set forth in Local Law 129.

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NYPD LGBT Advisory Panel to ensure gender non-conforming New Yorkers are treated with dignity and respect

City Hall, NY— Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, Council Members and the NYPD LGBT Advisory Panel will today announce reforms to the New York City Police Department’s (NYPD) Patrol Guide to ensure respectful treatment of transgender and gender non-conforming New Yorkers by the police.

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“I’m thrilled by the news that yet another Federal Court has found the Defense of Marriage Act to be an indefensible assault on our civil liberties.

Edie Windsor’s suit seeking a refund of the federal estate tax paid by the estate of her late wife is a stark reminder that the benefits and security of marriage have yet to be extended to all people.

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