"Today we made history by granting countless committed couples the right to marry. The communities I represent have long been recognized as thriving hubs of social progress, and have a strong commitment to equal rights. This vote is a monumental step in ensuring that laws in our country are not based on hatred and discrimination, but on equality and justice.
"Marriage Equality is a part of our ongoing struggle for civil rights, and I applaud Governor Cuomo for his leadership on an issue that will allow for us all to move forward as a more united New York, where no one is discriminated against based on their beliefs. I am also proud of many of my colleagues, some of whom have had to make a choice between doing what is politically safe and doing what is just. They chose to be on the right side of history by voting to provide equal rights for all New Yorkers.
"We have the privilege of being a trailblazing state, and it is my hope that others follow our lead in ensuring that everyone has the right to marry the person they choose. As a longtime advocate of LGBT rights, I am thrilled that today we can say that our society is more complete due to the civil rights we have finally extended to many of our neighbors, family members and friends."
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