Albany, NY - On Friday, June 24, 2011, State Senator Gustavo Rivera joined 32 of his colleagues in the New York State Senate in voting for marriage equality. Senator Rivera issued the following statement in response to marriage equality passing 33 to 29:
“Our state laws have finally recognized what we as New Yorkers have known for a long time: that same-sex couples and their families are members of our communities and should be give the same rights as other New Yorkers,” said Senator Rivera. “I am proud that New York has sent a message loud and clear, that we will do not tolerate inequality. The right to marry, to express one’s love for one’s partner and have that union recognized by the law, is a fundamental right that all New Yorkers deserve. It is an honor and privilege for me to have been able to play a part of this historic day. I hope that with New York as a leader on this issue, we will help set an example for the rest of the country and soon be celebrating marriage equality for all Americans.”
Senator Rivera has consistently supported the rights of LGBT New Yorkers and was on the record as supporting marriage equality since his campaign for State Senate.
