“Today’s New York State Assembly vote in favor of allowing same-sex marriage is the next step in making full equality the law for same sex couples in New York State. But more importantly, it sends a message that marriage equality for same sex couples has the overwhelming support of the people of our state.

“I thank Speaker Shelly Silver, Assemblymember Danny O’Donnell and the other LGBT Assemblymembers Deborah Glick, Matthew Titone, and Micah Kellner– and the activisits for all of their hard work in successfully advancing this legislation. I especially applaud Assembly Member O’Donnell, who has been a tireless leader in his pursuit of equality. Danny has shown his colleagues first hand that LGBT families are no different from any others, and must be treated as such in the eyes of the law.

“Justice is never easily achieved, and there is much work left to be done. But when 89 members vote in favor of equality, it sets a standard and an example that is impossible to ignore.

“I thank Senator Tom Duane for bringing this bill to his colleagues and I urge the State Senate to rise to the standard set by the Assembly. And I look forward to the rapidly approaching day when Governor David Paterson has the opportunity to make equality the law in NY State.”