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.

"We stand here today faced with the civil rights issue of our time, and we simply cannot allow New York State to stand on the wrong side of history on this matter. As long as these inequalities exist, as a society we will never be whole."

Serrano, a co-sponsor of the Senate bill (S.4401) that will provide same-sex couples the same opportunity to enter into civil marriages as heterosexual couples, has been a staunch advocate for marriage equality, and says he hopes that the bill will be promptly brought to a vote.

                                                                    

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