For over a year now, I’ve been carefully considering a proposal that would require all businesses in New York City to provide paid sick leave for their workers. Throughout that time, I’ve been torn between a policy goal that I share, and real concerns about struggling businesses in a fragile economy.
I’ve heard passionate voices on both sides of the debate.
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“Carl Paladino’s statement is no apology and it is not accepted. If he truly wanted to apologize he would pick up the phone and call any number of people from the LGBT community who could tell him why his remarks over the past several days, including but not limited to those made over the weekend, are so outrageous and dangerous.
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Bill strengthens and increases protection for women who seek pregnancy related services
City Hall, October 12, 2010 – Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, along with Council Member Jessica Lappin, today announced legislation to protect women seeking help at limited service pregnancy centers (often referred to as crisis pregnancy centers) in New York City. NARAL Pro-Choice New York also released the results of an investigation on these centers throughout the five boroughs that documented a variety of disturbing tactics designed to mislead or misinform women seeking pregnancy related services.
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“Carl Paladino’s statements are not only deeply offensive, but they are dangerous.
Given the horrifying anti-LGBT hate crime recently in the Bronx where four people were brutally attacked, the bullying of Tyler Clementi which led him to take his own life, and the recent rash of suicides by at least seven LGBT youth, Mr. Paladino should be ashamed for his hateful and backward remarks.
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On Friday, the NYPD announced the arrest of seven suspects in hate crime attacks in the Bronx. The attacks, possibly part of a gang initiation, occurred last Sunday. Two 17 year old males and one 30 year old male were attacked, held against their will and beaten by the suspects. The victims were all specifically targeted because they are gay.
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“These anti-LGBT hate crimes are vile, horrifying and unforgivable. These attacks are appalling and are even more despicable because the victims were clearly targeted in acts of hate simply because they are gay. The cowardly few who committed these crimes do not represent New Yorkers and our community will not be cowed by such violence.
I thank and commend the NYPD and the Hate Crimes Task Force for acting so quickly on this matter.
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New York, NY – In response to recent cases of bullying and harassment against the LGBT community, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn announced a comprehensive plan to combat bias, prejudice and hate, particularly among youth. The multi-pronged approach focuses attention on students and young New Yorkers, teaching them tolerance and what to do when faced with bullying.
“The recent deaths across the country that have happened as a result of anti-LGBT bullying are truly heartbreaking,” said Speaker Christine C.
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City Hall – The New York City Council today was named among the top YouTube campaigns making a difference by Mashable, the most read blog around the world (Read the story here: http://j.mp/9F3z0i). In December of last year, the Ne York City Council launched the campaign “I Talk Because…”, which features YouTube video clips of people talking about why it’s so important for them to discuss HIV/AIDS with the people in their lives.
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Also will vote on package of bills, from the Green Codes Task Force, that will revolutionize the regulations governing existing building codes
City Hall – At today’s Stated meeting, the Council will modernize City parking by voting on a zoning amendment that will allow car sharing vehicles, such as Zip cars, to park in off-street parking facilities.
In addition, the Council will vote on a set of groundbreaking bills that will “green” city buildings codes.
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“New York City is part of the greatest democracy in the world. Yet our democracy is only as strong as the election system we have in place to support it. Members of the City Council are still deeply concerned by the city-wide election system failures that occurred on Primary Day and we hope today’s State Senate hearing begins to shed some light on the many questions and concerns that have been raised since this problem-ridden Primary Day.
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