New York State Marriage Vote Could Be Coming – Call Your Senator Today!

Empire State Pride Agenda
October 19, 2009

Governor Paterson has announced that he will be calling the legislature back to Albany at the end of October to deal with the state’s budget deficit and other important issues. This is the best opportunity in months that our community has had to get the State Senate to debate and vote on the marriage bill. We also believe that this will very likely be the last chance that we have to get a vote on marriage this year.

Last week, State Senator Tom Duane, the marriage bill’s lead sponsor, said that he believes a vote could come before the November 3 elections. And today the Times Union in Albany called on the State Senate to stop delaying and vote on marriage immediately.

It’s been a frustrating year for all of us. There have been unforeseen roadblocks that have prevented legislation—crucial human rights bills—from getting their due attention in the State Senate.

We now have an opportunity to get a vote on marriage, and we need to make sure you deliver the message to your Senator that we’re done waiting. It’s time to vote.

Click here to use a tool that will patch you through directly to the office of your State Senator at no cost to you. It’s easy to use, and nothing is as effective as making a phone call to deliver the message that you expect a vote on marriage before the end of the month.

It is very important for our community and allies to step up now and demand that equality for our families takes priority. Call your Senator today and stay tuned for more updates from the Pride Agenda.

A major victory for LGBT New Yorkers could literally be days away.


P.S. Please know the Pride Agenda is actively talking to all sides in the State Senate and many Senators are ready to support us, but they must hear from you—even if you’ve contacted them before—so that they are reminded that this issue is not going away and needs to be taken up now.

You should also know that a decision from our state’s highest court is coming out before the end of the year that could undermine the protections thousands of New York LGBT couples have sought for their families by going out-of-state to get married. If the State Senate had already passed the marriage equality bill, our families would not be in this vulnerable position.

Call now so your Senator hears from you!

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