Today, Governor David Paterson continued his long history of fighting for our community’s rights by introducing a marriage equality program bill in the New York State Legislature. Click here to read our statement on the Gov.’s marriage bill.

Now, we need the support of the New York State Assembly and Senate to pass the marriage equality bill so that Gov. Paterson can sign it into law.  The Assembly passed the marriage bill 85-61 in 2007, and now we need your Assemblymember’s support to pass this bill again this year. And for the first time ever this year, the pro-LGBT Majority Leadership in the State Senate has pledged to bring marriage to the floor for a vote when we have the support needed for the bill to pass. We need your Senator’s support to pass marriage equality in New York State!

The time is now to ask your legislators to support and vote for Gov. Paterson’s marriage bill. In just a few clicks of your mouse, send the message below to your Assemblymember and Senator to let them know that their support for marriage equality is crucial to you.  Feel free to customize your message in the workspace provided.  Your legislators need to hear from you!

Subject: Please support Gov. Paterson's marriage equality bill

Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],

Governor David Paterson has recently introduced a program bill to provide marriage for same-sex couples. As your constituent, I encourage you to support the marriage equality bill and vote for it when it comes to the floor.

I believe that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) families deserve the 1,324 rights and responsibilities that come with marriage in New York State. Loving same-sex couples and their children should not be treated like second-class citizens by being denied access to the protections of marriage.

I encourage you to support and vote for the Governor's marriage equality program bill. I will be watching as the legislative session continues to see how you have acted on this issue.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]