Issues: Human Rights

Sen. Espada Speaks on 2010 Priorites

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January 11, 2010: Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada, Jr. discusses two of his legislative priorities this year..."I am focused on bringing historic change to housing...and human rights to improve the working conditions of farmworkers."

Senator Espada's priorities for 2010 inlcude: "creating jobs and affordable housing, controlling government spending, providing tax relief, strengthening ethics reform and improving education for our children on behalf of the state's 19.5 million residents."

January 13, 2010
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Walk for Peace to End Gun and Youth Violence

Join us as we gather in front of the Paradise Theater on Grand Concourse and Walk for Peace to prevent Gun and Youth Violence in unity to the First Union Baptist Church for a memorial service in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led by Rev. Dr. James E. Wilson, Jr., Senior Pastor.9:00 am January 18, 2010 Paradise Theater, 2403 Grand Concourse11:00 am January 18, 2010 First Union Baptist Church 2064 Grand ConcoursePlease RSVP:Marzetta Harris, Senator Espada’s Office (718)220-5480

January 18, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
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En Espanol: Sen. Espada on 2010 Legislative Priorities

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In Spanish: NYS Senator Pedro Espada discusses Governor David Paterson's 2010 State of the State address, his legislative priorities for the year ahead (including charter schools) and the Martin Luther King's legacy of service in a January 11, 2010 interview.

January 13, 2010
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Senator Savino Urges Passage of Domestic Workers Bill of Rights

Albany – Today, Senator Diane J. Savino joined domestic workers and their supporters in calling for the immediate passage of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights [S2311A]. The bill, introduced by Senator Savino, guarantees protection from discrimination, notice of termination, paid sick days and holidays, and other basic labor protections long denied to nannies, housekeepers, and elderly caregivers employed in private homes.

January 12, 2010
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Response to Gov. Paterson’s State-of-the-State Address

Press Contact: Steve Mangione 914-403-4072 (cellular) 518-455-3395 (at this number Jan. 6th)

“The action of the Senate Democratic Majority in recent months – for example, addressing issues in a bipartisan way, creating green jobs, controlling spending and preserving important resources for education – has demonstrated our commitment to the state’s 19.5 million residents.

January 6, 2010
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Senator Perkins Defends Marriage Equality

On December 2, 2009 the Marriage Equality Bill was put before the Senate for a vote.

December 22, 2009
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In Memorium: Dennis deLeon

I am deeply saddened by the loss today of Dennis deLeon, a dynamic human rights advocate for those living with HIV/AIDS.

December 14, 2009
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Marriage Equality for New York Video

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Wednesday, December 2, in a speech to legislators, Senator Diane Savino expressed her views on the significance of voting in favor of marriage equality for the state of New York.

December 11, 2009
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Fighting and Voting for Marriage Equality

The past session in Albany was capped with a grave disappointment for me, as marriage equality was defeated on the floor of the Senate.  I voted, and argued, and fought for passage of the bill.  I am deeply disappointed that we did not win marriage equality this time, but I am committed to winning over my colleagues, bringing the bill back to the floor, and expanding equal rights to all New Yorkers. 

December 7, 2009
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Gay marriage shot down, despite Brooklyn support

By Thomas Tracy

The New York State Senate failed to hear the call for gay marriage last week despite a wave of support from the Brooklyn delegation and an impassioned speech from one usually soft-spoken borough legislator.

During Wednesday’s vote, the Senate shot down the Marriage Equity Bill 38 to 24.

Vote tallies show that seven of the nine Senators who represent the borough voted in favor of gay marriage. The two holdouts included Bay Ridge State Senator Marty Golden, a Republican, and State Senator Carl Kruger (D-Brighton Beach, Mill Basin).

December 7, 2009
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From the Floor and the Heart, Senators Make an Issue Personal

By Michael M. Grynbaum

ALBANY — Ruth Hassell-Thompson was a young girl decades ago when her older brother, a gay man, vanished from her deeply religious family, moving away to escape their disapproving father.

Ms. Hassell-Thompson, 67, searched for years, finally finding him in a village in the south of France. When she urged him to come home, he said that “my father doesn’t want to see me.”

December 4, 2009
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SENATOR LAVALLE DEFENDS POSITION ON GAY MARRIAGE

“At the present time, society is equally divided on the issue of gay marriage,” said Senator Kenneth P. LaValle.

December 3, 2009
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Watch the Senate debate marriage equality

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Today, the Senate engages in an historic debate on S66003, a bill that would extend full marriage rights to all couples in New York. Login or Register to leave comment on the debate. Please note, all comments will be moderated in compliance with our Terms of Participation.

 

December 2, 2009
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Serrano Statement on Marriage Equality Bill

November 10, 2009

(New York, NY)-- State Senator José M. Serrano (D-Manhattan/Bronx) expressed disappointment that a marriage equality bill was not brought to the Senate floor for a vote today. "When we look at past civil-rights movements, there were always those who were on the wrong side of history by believing that changes in archaic laws would create havoc within our society," said Serrano.

November 10, 2009
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Senator Serrano Honored for Advocacy Against Domestic Violence

Today Senator Serrano was honored for his support of the Mount Sinai Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention Program (SAVI), and for his commitment to combating sexual assault and domestic violence in underserved areas.

“It is vital that survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault have advocates  and counselors available to support them through a process that is often very painful,” said Senator Serrano.

October 1, 2009
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