For more than a decade, the Defense of Marriage Act has been a disgraceful vestige of bigotry in our country. It remains appalling that a nation founded on principles of liberty and equality would adopt a law that actively denies rights to millions of its citizens. DOMA undermines all our victories in the fight for marriage equality, by banning these rights even in states that have recognized same-sex marriages.
…
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Over the course of his career, the Senator never failed to speak on behalf of those without a voice, championing civil rights and continually standing at the forefront of our nation’s most defining struggles.
“He has been called the lion of the Senate and indeed he was just that.
…
Manhattan, August 21, 2009 – Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and the President of the Korean American Association of Manhattan, Richard Lee, today embarked on a walking tour of the Manhattan’s own Koreatown as part of the “Nine in 09” tourism campaign. New York City & Company CEO George Feritta and community members joined the Speaker and Council Member in sampling restaurants, shops, and cultural treasures on West 32nd Street , in the heart of Herald Square .
…
Also Votes to Strengthen Standpipe and Sprinkler Operations as part of Comprehensive Construction, Demolition and Abatement Overhaul
City Hall, August 20, 2009 – At today’s Stated Council meeting, the City Council will vote on vital public health legislation requiring pharmacies with more than four stores in the five boroughs to provide free oral and written translation services to thousands of New Yorkers in need of prescription translation assistance.
…
New York State Conducting Similar Outreach to New Yorkers Losing Unemployment Benefits
City Hall, August 18th, 2009 – City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Human Resources Administration (HRA) Commissioner Robert Doar, Food Policy Coordinator Benjamin Thomases and nutrition advocates today announced that one year later over 50,000 additional New Yorkers are now receiving food stamps, following the Medicaid/Food Stamp data match conducted by the City Council and HRA since the summer of 2008.
…
City Hall – Speaker Christine C. Quinn, together with Transportation Committee Chair John Liu and Council Member Gale Brewer, announced today that the Council will hold an oversight hearing in the wake of the mid-air collision over the Hudson River.
The hearing will be held on August 25, 2009, before the Transportation Committee.
“For too long, the FAA has taken a wait and see approach when it comes to air traffic over the Hudson,” said Speaker Christine C.
…
Groundbreaking anti-tenant harassment legislation was targeted for repeal by the landlord lobby
City Hall – Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, together with Council Members Daniel R. Garodnick and Melissa Mark-Viverito, tenants and activists, today applauded the State Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Tenant Protection Act. The bill, which was signed into law by Mayor Bloomberg in March of last year, was targeted for repeal in a lawsuit by the landlord lobby.
…
Shared Commercial Kitchen Will Support New Entrepreneurs
New York, August 4th, 2009 – City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President Seth W. Pinsky and Amy Scherber of Amy’s Bread today announced a groundbreaking initiative to help entrepreneurs in the ever growing food manufacturing industry get a jump start on expanding their craft.
…
“The shooting at the LGBT Youth Center in Tel Aviv is a shocking and horrendous hate crime. The youth center where this incident occurred is supposed to be a safe meeting place for teenagers seeking counseling and support.
“My condolences are with the family and friends of those who were taken too soon by the hand of hate and my thoughts and prayers with those still fighting for their lives.
…
The life and legacy of Harvey Milk continue to inspire generations of Americans more than three decades after his tragic assassination. Harvey stood for pride and equality in the face of prejudice. He became an icon of what the LGBT community could achieve, despite the hate that some displayed towards him.
In doing so, he paved the way for all future LGBT leaders and elected officials.
…
