The Pride Agenda and our allies have been fighting hard to make sure that same-sex couples in New York are given access to marriage and the 1,324 rights and responsibilities that come with a state marriage license. Our issues are not partisan issues—and with the marriage equality bill recently passed by an overwhelming margin in the State Assembly, it’s time for the Senate to continue its work by bringing the bill to the floor for a vote and passage!

No matter how many times you have already reached out to your Senator on this issue, we cannot emphasize enough the vital importance of you continuing to do so now.  Marriage equality is front and center with Senators because you’ve put it there, and the only way to keep it there is to continue making those phones calls and sending those emails and letters. 

Call and email your Senator today to ask them to bring marriage for same-sex couples to a vote! It is important that Senators have the opportunity before the end of session to vote their conscience on this issue of critical importance to LGBT New Yorkers and their families.

First, CALL your Senator. Click here to find their Albany phone number. Call their office today to tell them that the time is now to bring the marriage bill (S.4401) to the floor for a vote. 

Second, EMAIL your Senator. With just a few clicks of your mouse, send the message below to let your Senator know that you are just one of the millions of New Yorkers who are holding the Senate accountable for bringing the marriage bill to the floor before the end of the legislative session.

Thank you for your continued advocacy on this issue, and please stay tuned for our GENDA Call-In Day next week, when we will ask our Senators to bring the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act to the floor in order to extend non-discrimination protections to transgender New Yorkers. We’ll let you know the next time to act!

Sample Letter for Campaign

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

The bill to provide equal access to marriage for same-sex couples has passed the New York State Assembly by an overwhelming margin. As your constituent, I urge you to support the marriage equality bill in the Senate (S.4401/Duane) and bring it to the floor for a vote before the end of session.

Marriage for same-sex couples is not a partisan issue--it is about providing equal rights for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who are treated like second class citizens. My hope and expectation is that marriage equality will be brought to the Senate floor so that members can vote their conscience.

I urge the Senate to schedule this vote as soon as possible before the end of the legislative session.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
June 10, 2009