Buffalo & Western New York | Rochester Area | Syracuse & Central New York | Capital District & North Country | Westchester & Hudson Valley | New York City | Long Island

The Reverend Timothy W. Ashton: Minister, Unitarian Universalist Church of Amherst
Williamsville, NY

"Stable relationships are at the core of orderly and supportive societies. All couples who love each other and wish to create households and families deserve the validation of the state and the security of that legal recognition."

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Joyce Degenhardt, Regional Coordinator
Region 1, New York State Public Employee Federation (PEF)
Affiliated with Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
Buffalo, NY

"I am the elected union leader for over 4,200 professional, scientific and technical employees in New York State facilities and agencies in the five westernmost counties of this state. While members of labor unions have a variety of views about marriage, according to their personal or religious beliefs, it is a fundamental, uniting principle of the labor movement that all people are entitled to equal rights. The labor movement invented domestic partner benefits to respond to the real economic needs of unmarried union families, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members. My own union played an important role in negotiating domestic partner benefits for New York State employees over 10 years ago. It's time that the State of New York completed the job we began by granting equal civil marriage rights to these families."

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The Reverend Clara Gilles: Assisting Clergy, Trinity Episcopal Church
Buffalo, NY

"There is no justice and equality unless there is justice and equality for all citizens of New York state and the whole country. Love and compassion are the only system that embodies us as the children of God. No one or government has the authority to deny equality to what God has created and blessed."

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“I have long been a champion for all types of civil-rights and am against discrimination in all its forms. As a strong advocate for the gay and lesbian community, I cannot justify continuing the State's keeping the door to marriage closed to loving couples who want to make a lifelong commitment, just because of their sexual orientation.”

 

 

 

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The Reverend Barbara Hulsing: Pastor, Good Shepherd Baptist Church
Buffalo, NY

"I support the right for same-sex couples to marry in New York State because I believe in the human dignity of every person, regardless of gender identity, gender orientation or gender expression. With this human dignity in mind, I believe that ALL couples/families deserve to share the same civil rights (e.g., work-force benefits, decision making in health care, parenting) that are provided for heterosexual couples. I also believe that marriage is a demonstration of commitment and provides the opportunity for loved ones and friends to witness to and acknowledge this commitment."

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Rev. John R. Long, D.D., First Presbyterian Church of Buffalo
Buffalo, NY

"Throughout his life Jesus showed his acceptance and love for all sorts of outcast and marginalized persons, Samaritans, tax collectors, women, the mentally ill, even Roman soldiers. It is certain that Jesus love extends to people who are homosexual. As a clergyman, and as a citizen, I cannot help but support legislation that restores to any people the rights they ought to have. Specifically, I support legislation that would allow homosexual couples to marry and enjoy the same rights and privileges that other married couples have."

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Reverend Sara D. Smith, Esq.,
Pastor, Kenilworth United Church of Christ
Buffalo, New York

"In my current position as a minister in suburban Buffalo, I see daily the rewards and challenges of straight couples and families sharing life together. Often, it is the marriage license and its hundreds of attenuating legal rights that provide the support and remedies necessary to sustain it. I also know first-hand the difficulties for gay couples and families because these legal rights are not available to them.

In addition, I understand the distinction between the church's and the state's role in solemnizing a covenant made between two people. When I bless a couple during a wedding ceremony, I act on behalf of my religious community. When I sign the marriage license, I act on behalf of the state. The church weds and blesses; the state marries.

Yet the state will not allow me to marry my partner. While the state does require of me a driver's license, a fishing license, etc., it will not issue me the one license that signifies the most important decision in my life. As an attorney, I hold dear the foundational tenet that our government must uphold and defend basic rights afforded all Americans. I pay my taxes, I vote, I obey the laws, yet our government treats me like a second-class citizen. This is unconstitutional, this is wrong, and this is discrimination.

As an ordained clergy in the United Church of Christ, I am proud that my denomination and my congregation celebrate and support GLBT persons and their relationships. Although the roles they play are different, I expect my federal and state governments to do the same."

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Rochester Area

Rev. Kaaren Anderson, Co-Parish Minister, First Unitarian Church
Rochester, NY

"Freedom for all! Rights for all! Indeed that has been our motto, for 33 years. The Unitarian Universalist Association has had a long standing and deeply held commitment to support full equality for bisexual, gay, lesbian and transgender people. In 1996, we turned our attention to support for the legalization of same sex marriage.

About a third of the marriages I perform are for gays and lesbians. It is heartbreaking that we as a country, one that stands for equal protection under the law, do not offer these individuals the same protection for their love and commitment that heterosexual couples so easily afford. It is with great enthusiasm, and overwhelming support, that I affirm and advocate for any legislation that would provide equal protection and benefits
to gays and lesbians when they marry that is currently only given to heterosexuals couples."

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James V. Bertalone, President
Rochester & Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation
President
Local 215, American Postal Workers Union (APWU)
Rochester, NY

"Union members and the labor movement have a long history of supporting equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) workers. We know that the denial of marriage equality hurts not just these families but all the family members, neighbors and co-workers who care about the well-being of these couples and their children. We will resist any attempt by anti-worker forces to use this issue in elections this year or beyond to divide working people in order to elect candidates with proven track records of favoring corporate special interests at the expense of working families."
Excerpted from "Union Resolution for Marriage Equality" passed by Executive Board of the Rochester & Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation

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Harry Bronson, Assistant Democratic Leader & County Legislator
Monroe County Legislature, 24th District

"The issue of civil marraige for same sex-couples is a legal issue that is a statement about who we are as a society.  Do we honor our long tradition of fairness, equality and basic human rights?  If so, then to allow same-sex couples the full rights under law --that are the same as and NOT separate are imperative.  The simple fact is that same-sex couples love each other, want to make a public expression of their love and commitment and in so doing need and deserve the same legal protections, benefits and responsibility as any other couple in society."

 

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The Reverend Lee Ann Bryce: Pastor, Community Christian Church, United Church of Christ & Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Rochester, NY

"Full inclusion of lesbian and gay people into the church, as well as in society, is central to my sense of call as a pastor. Given that Jesus, without exception, reached out to those in his society who were the disenfranchised, the marginalized, I believe it to be a Christian imperative to stand with those who are victims of discrimination in our society. Marriage is clearly a civil issue requiring people of all faiths and those who do not profess a faith to stand together in support of equal access to marriage for all people."

 

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Carollee Conklin, City Councilperson At Large
City of Rochester

"I am a strong supporter of same sex civil unions. The issue is one of Civil Rights and Equal treatment for all citizens."

 

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"I believe that where there is love, the sacred is in our midst. I believe that all people have the right to lead lives that express love, justice, mutuality, and commitment - regardless of their gender. These beliefs call me to act in the hope that one day all people will truly be recognized as equal and offered the same rights in our society. I am proud to stand within a religious tradition that has been performing ceremonies of union for same-sex couple for over 30 years - and that actively welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people to our congregations. We stand together in the belief that homophobia, not homosexuality, is the sin."

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County Legislator C. Stephen Eckel:
Monroe County Legislature, 26th District

"I am proud and excited to be a part of your efforts for all couples to have the same rights under the law. Sad that it has to be made law and not just accepted for itself. Love is a beautiful thing. When I got married I didn't think that my love for my spouse could get more powerful. But I found that a ceremony declaring my love for somebody very special to me strengthened our connection and made our relationship that much stronger. Marriage is a union of love, not of sex. Marriage is a bond and partnership. It is the joining with the mirror of our one true soul. It is about friendship and love. It is a path one shares with their partner. To deny this bond is to deny love."

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“Our democracy rests upon the principle that “all men are created equal”, the promise of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”, and the rule of law. These words ring as true today as they did at the dawn of our new nation, and this should be the reality for all Americans, but sadly it is not. Every citizen deserves equal treatment under the law, and members of the GLBT community deserve no less. Same sex couples in committed, loving relationships should have the same rights and responsibilities, the same hopes and opportunities that the contract of civil marriage affords to all other couples. This is the civil rights challenge of our time, and respecting the diversity of families is the right thing to do.”

 

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Richard S. Gilbert: Social Justice Coordinator, St. Lawrence Unitarian Universalist District
Rochester, NY

"In January of 1998 I preached a sermon on 'Where Love Is: The Case for Same-Sex Marriage.' In it I said that society should cherish embodiments of mature and responsible love wherever it may be found. It is too bad that the biblical message has been so distorted that hate has been given religious sanction. I have performed several same-sex ceremonies of commitment in the hope that one day I will be able to officiate at the legal marriages of same-sex couples. Love is still the issue."

 

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“The issue of legal marriages is, for me, simply an issue of “liberty and justice for all”. I continue to hope that the sound principles upon which the founders framed the laws are the basis for all of our subsequent interpretations and I look forward as a Town Clerk to issue legal licenses to all who seek the institution of marriage by whatever name it will be called.”

 

 

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Rabbi Amy J. Sapowith, Temple Sinai
Rochester, NY

"The inspiration that moves two women or two men to marry one another is nothing less than holy. To insist otherwise is to bow down to the false god of gender."

 

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"Why do I support marriage rights for same-sex couples in New York State? Because it's a matter of granting civil rights and equal rights for all New Yorkers. Same-sex couples and their children should be afforded the same legal rights, privileges and protection that civil marriage currently provides a male and female couple and their children."

 

 

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Thomas Warfield, Performer
Rochester, NY

"It is vital for people of all races, backgrounds and beliefs to stand up against any discriminated and injustice. As a Marriage Equality activist for the Empire State Pride Agenda I believe it is a civil rights issue. Equality is an intrinsic element in the fabric of America; and if any of us are not free to share our love and life with whom we choose then all of us are enslaved and less than what we might be. We need to demand the right to celebrate the many ways we love and demonstrate our commitments to each other and to give voice to the freedom and justice that only equality can give."

 

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"I support the right of same sex couples to marry because I believe it is a basic human, civil right. I also believe that God blesses these relationships just as God blesses any committed, lifelong monogomous union entered into for the mutual benefit and care of each person. God created us to be in community and for GLB people the community of intimacy that God creates for them is found in intimate relationships with people of the same sex."

 

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Syracuse & Central New York

The Honorable Michelle C. Berry, Alderperson/City Councilperson
City of Ithaca

"I believe that the right to marry for all citizens, regardless of gender, is one of our largest civil and human rights battles. As a bi woman married to a man, I am certainly and often painfully aware of the privileges bestowed upon male-female partners who have united in marriage. Research indicates that denying equal rights to same-sex couples causes harm in many ways, perhaps the most potent being the damage done to psychological well-being for couples and their families. Granting the privilege of marriage to same-sex couples is what we'd expect and must demand from a progressive state such as ours."

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Marshall Blake, President
Central New York Area Labor Federation
Executive Vice President
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 1199Upstate
Syracuse, NY

“Union members and the labor movement have a long history of supporting equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) workers. We know that the denial of marriage equality hurts not just these families but all the family members, neighbors and co-workers who care about the well-being of these couples and their children. We will resist any attempt by anti-worker forces to use this issue in elections this year or beyond to divide working people in order to elect candidates with proven track records of favoring corporate special interests at the expense of working families.”
Excerpted from “Union Resolution for Marriage Equality” passed by Executive Board of the Central New York Area Labor Federation

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"I support the Marriage Equality campaign in New York State (and elsewhere). Couples, whether heterosexual or same sex, who are in loving, mature, and committed relationships, should have the right to formalize those relationships through legal marriage, and take on all the responsibilities and privileges accorded by law."

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The Reverend Thomas A. Clemow: Pastor, First United Methodist Church
Oneonta, NY

"I support the right for same-sex couples to marry in New York State. It is discriminatory and demeaning to deny to same-sex couples the opportunity to participate fully in all the societal benefits which heterosexual couples immediately acquire upon their marriage. Love, fidelity and the capacity to enter into a covenental relationship are gender-blind. We impoverish this state by not recognizing the legitimacy of all relations founded upon love, mutual respect, and commitment."

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"I support the right for same-sex couples to be legally married in New York State. My religious tradition demands that we pursue justice, that we allow for the equality of all. The civil authority must recognize this and allow these couple their legal rights under the law."

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Rev. Margaret A. Hart
Minister, First Universalist Society of Central Square, NY, a Unitarian Universalist congregation

"I support the right for same-sex couples to marry in New York State. I don't understand why they shouldn't be allowed to. Marriage, to me, is a sacrament and a covenant between two people who love each other. It is also a legal binding of two people together with the ensuing rights and responsibilities of that union. Believing in the inherent worth and dignity of all people, I believe that all should be allowed to marry."

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“I support the right for same-sex couples to be legally married in New York State. I look forward to the day when the right to marry (along with all of the benefits and responsibilities thereof) becomes available to and commonplace for ALL citizens in our state.”

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Councilperson Patricia Leary:
Ithaca Town Board

“Marriage has long been recognized as a stabilizing force in society and a right of full citizenship. It serves both the principle of equal rights and the broader common good that the state recognize the validity of marriage between committed parties regardless of gender.”

 

 

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“As a Latino lesbian from Texas, I recall the history of the shameful "anti-miscegenation" laws of the not-so-distant past as I compare this struggle to the ongoing fight for racial equality in this country. We know that marriage promotes social stability. At its root, this is simply an issue of fairness. I support marriage equality, and urge you to do the same.

 

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"In a world torn by violence and hatred, loving relationships have a role in bringing about healing in society. We believe that people in same-sex relationships who choose to publicly and formally affirm their love and commitment should have the right to do so, and that these unions should be authorized and supported in civil society as well as in religious community."

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The Rev. J. Andrew McTyre
Pastor / Head of Staff
Park Central Presbyterian Church
Syracuse, New York

"I support same-sex marriage because I am a Christian. Marriage is a civil contract, and human rights demand that it should be available to any two adults who choose to enter into such an agreement. To deny any human rights to a particular group of people because of skin color, gender, economic status or sexual orientation is to ignore our faith's injunction to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God."

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“Two years ago I worked closely with members of our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community to craft a response to the exciting "wave" sweeping the country from San Francisco to Long Island regarding same sex marriages. As mayor of a community that in 2005 was selected as "One of America's Fabulous Gay-Friendly Places to Live" it was important to me to make a statement. Ithaca took an interesting position and we hope to see successful results in the New York courts or legislature some day. Why? To me it is very basic: two individuals wish to commit their lives to each other. They deserve the protections and benefits, as loving partners in our society, as others who currently can do so legally.”

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“I support marriage equality in New York State. As a member of Ithaca’s Common Council, I am a marriage official. Of course the irony is that as a gay man, I am now able to marry opposite-sex couples but am unable to be married. It saddens me that so many of my friends and acquaintances in long-term same-sex relationships cannot ask me to perform marriages for them.

I am proud to live in a community which has a Mayor who has made a strong statement in favor of marriage equality and in which 25 local couples are suing the state to challenge marriage law. I will be prouder still, when New York grants gay and lesbian couples full marriage equality.

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The Rev. Craig Schaub, Plymouth Congregational Church, United Church of Christ
Syracuse, NY

"Last night I awoke in the night, checked on my little daughter, rolled back into bed next to my wife, and was overcome by a sense of deep gratitude for my marriage and the opportunity to be a dad, and even the legal privileges that come with those experiences. In the midst of my gratitude, I suddenly also felt a deep mourning. That mourning comes from the realization that not all committed life partners are afforded the same legal privileges. In spite of the fact that my church offers same-sex couples an opportunity to celebrate their commitment in a sacred service, seek a divine blessing for their relationship, and seek spiritual support in community, we are still, by virtue of being agents of the state in many marriages, complicit participants in what amounts to a social and spiritual apartheid. I pledge to help stop it."

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District Attorney Gwen Wilkinson:
Tompkins County

“If our society is going to identify a human relationship to receive the exclusive benefit of state sanction and other advantages -both economic and social- then we must insist that identical recognition be offered to same sex couples. To do anything less is to accept the absurd premise that gay relationships are unequal.”

 

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Capital District & North Country

Matthew Baumgartner, Businessman
Albany, NY

“As the owner of Bombers Burrito Bar and Noche Lounge, I support the idea, the institution and the legalization of Same Sex Marriages.  I find it so sad that in 2006 this is even an issue!   The love and marriage between two human beings, regardless of race, sex or religion, is sacred and special and should be encouraged and blessed.   The idea that marriage should be excluded from two women or two men is an embarrassing and very antiquated government policy.   Where is the love, America?”

 

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"As an elected official I feel it is not only my duty, but my legal responsibility, to ensure that all people are treated equally and justly under the laws of our state and nation. With that as a background, I firmly believe that ‘marriage equity’ for all people, no matter their race, religion, or sexual orientation, is proper and legal in our state and nation."

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“Marriage equality is a simple matter of justice. The rights and responsibilities that government extends through marriage can only effectively and efficiently be accorded to same sex couples through marriage equality. Government has an interest in promoting stabile relationships, therefore government has an interest in equality. It’s that simple.”

 

 

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"I find it ridiculous for anyone to imply that my marriage, family life and/or faith values are threatened in any way by two people of the same sex having the right to marry. I also find it demeaning to religate the issue of marriage among same-sex couples to a simplistic debate about civil rights. Yes, I recognize that I have been afforded a great number of civil rights as a result of becoming married, that had nothing to do with my decision to get married. I was married because of the gift of love that I found in my spouse and the love and presence of God that we have discovered together through both good and trying times. While marriage among same-sex couples does indeed involve issues of fairness and equality under the law, for me, it is much more. I support same-sex marriage because I want others to be able to celebrate the presence of God as a part of their commitment to a life-long partner; I want others to have that "God presence" recognized and supported by other people of faith, because I know how critical that has been to the development of our love and family life; and, I want to be supportive of good, Godly, healthy uplifting marriages and families. Simply put, I want all others to be able to have what I have been blessed to find in marriage."

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The Reverend Stanley Craig: Lynnwood Reformed
Schenectady, NY

"My religious tradition informs me that every human, without exception, carries the image and likeness of the Divine. Our political history teaches us that all of our citizens are due the most basic of rights: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. How can we deny a 'made-in-the-image-of-God' human the right to the happiness of a married life? The answer, religiously and politically is: we cannot. It is time, New York, for us to celebrate our God-given diversity and support marriage equality. I for one, am sorry it has taken us so long."

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Joe Fox, President
Capital District Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO
Vice President
New York State Public Employee Federation
Albany, NY

"As unions, we have a particular responsibility to protect equal rights and promote economic justice in connection with collective bargaining, economic benefits and legislation that affect our members. The labor movement invented domestic partner benefits to respond to the real economic needs of unmarried union families, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members.

We recognize that the lack of access to civil marriage deprives gay and lesbian working families of more than 1,500 rights and benefits afforded heterosexual families, such as spousal Social Security and pension benefits, hospital visitation rights, spousal health insurance, immigration rights as well as rights in the workplace. We have asked our State Federation to make it a legislative goal to ensure that all members enjoy equal marriage rights and benefits and to determine where New York State elected officials stand on this issue prior to the 2006 elections."

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"As an openly-gay elected official in a long-term committed relationship, my partner and I experience first-hand the discrimination which bars us from enjoying the vast number of rights and responsibilities inherent in marriage. Fair-minded New Yorkers seeing loving, committed same-sex couples will agree that the freedom marry must be given equally to all."

 

 

 

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Jonathan E. Gradess, Executive Director
New York State Defenders Association
Albany, NY

"Love is the most powerful force on our planet. When we engage it for goodness we become our design. Love is at the root of the peace we seek; it is in the midst of the harmony we cherish. When two human beings love one another and, in many ways, become one person, they live out the great plan for humankind. From that sphere of influence - two faithful, committed loving human beings embarking on genuine partnership - there can be a journey that includes the relationships of family and community, state and country and world. When we can take away all the borders that separate us we become the holy people we are called to be. Marriage between two people of the same sex should be as natural as love between two people of the same sex. There is no reason for the State to bar such unions. Marriage equality for same sex couples - legal marriage under New York law identical in scope to that of heterosexual persons - is something for which the time has come. I wholeheartedly support it and urge our Legislature to bring it into being."

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The Reverend Anthony W. Green: United Church of Christ
Albany, NY

"It is unconscionable that in a so-called "free society" so many people would be denied justice in the church and the State. The God of love weeps with gay and lesbian people who do not enjoy the same right and privilege as heterosexual people in making a public statement and commitment of their love and having it recognized as legitimate."

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The Reverend Diane Marquit: United Methodist Church
North Creek, NY

"The Holy Bible is a human-written document offering a window into divine wisdom and the unavoidable prejudices and misunderstandings of the people who have done the writing and redacting. Critical-thinking Americans today have choices. We can avoid human connectedness, live in a state of rebellious denial and use literalism as a wedge to justify fears and biases~ or we can look one another in the eye, honor each heart and soul, and release the healing love and Spirit of Christ.

What harm can be done in honoring love by offering same sex partners equal rights and protections under the law? Such a move might begin to check the spiraling spiritual violence being committed in our society where injustice is inviting a slippery slope contributing to overall decay.

It is time to recognize the wisdom of our loving God and those who signed The Declaration of Independence by dedicating ourselves to justice and offering in our state and nation the rights which are self-evident. Let us work for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all human beings-- children of one Creator and gifted with these unalienable rights.

I cherish the day wedding bells will ring out glad freedom for the oppressed, and those who live in a free land will no longer with burdened hearts fear to ask for whom the bell tolls."

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"In a world torn by violence and hatred, loving relationships have a role in bringing about healing in society. We believe that people in same-sex relationships who choose to publicly and formally affirm their love and commitment should have the right to do so, and that these unions should be authorized and supported in civil society as well as in religious community."

 

 

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Rabbi Jonathan Roos: Associate Rabbi, Congregation Beth Emeth
Albany, NY

"I support the right for same sex-couples to marry in New York because it is the right and just thing under the values of my Jewish tradition and principles of our nation. My people are supposed to live by the following story: Our ancient sage, Rabbi Hillel, was asked if he could teach the entirety of the Torah while standing on one foot. He taught: 'Anything that is hateful to you, you should not do to other people. That is the Torah. All the rest is commentary, now go and learn.' Few things are more hateful to me than denying equal protection under the law because of the nature of a person's relationships. Even one who believes that homosexuality is forbidden by Scripture must remember that the specifics of any biblical passage are trumped by the Golden Rule taught by Hillel. Equal rights under the law must be given to everyone whether you love them or hate them."

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"The United States Constitution guarantees to all its citizens the right to, 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness'. To deny same-sex couples the opportunity to enter into marriage is to create a class of persons for whom those rights are curtailed. As a Christian, it also seems to me that the committed love and stability such marriages would foster are entirely in keeping with the spirit of the gospel."

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Westchester & Hudson Valley

Bishop Francisco J. Betancourt, FCR, Holy Innocents Church
Margaretville, NY

"Where love is present, God is present. As a Bishop in the Catholic Apostolic Church in North America, I support the Marriage Equality Act. Individuals who are in a committed relationship should be given the same privilege as others to have the love for one another recognized by our governments. There is no room in either government or religions for discrimination."

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Assemblymember Richard Brodsky
Representing part of Westchester County

"I believe that that New York will be a better, stronger place when all loving, committed couples - including same-sex couples - have access to legal marriage."

 

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The Reverend David M. Bryce: Minister, First Unitarian Society of Westchester
Hastings-On-Hudson, NY

"Our nation, like every other nation, was founded with imperfections built in. Over the centuries we have had to work hard to overcome cultural, ideological and religious failings and misunderstandings in order to bring greater freedom and equality to all of our people. I am proud to lend my voice to this, the next phase of the struggle for universal rights and equality."

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"Same-sex marriage is one of the critical civil rights issues of our time, and it carries supreme moral and religious significance. I recognize the holiness of unions between same-sex partners who commit themselves to each other. As a person of faith, I want to encourage same-sex unions to sanctify their relationships and be recognized by their religious communities and by God. I pray that validation by our state and country will not be far behind." 

 

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"I believe that marriage is defined not by gender, but by the relationship that is based on mutuality and nurturing and secured in love."

 

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Jeanne E. Mettler, Attorney
Bedford Hills, NY

"A civil marriage is a civil right. Marriage carries with it not only countless tangible rights, but also dignity, esteem and acceptance. To deny these rights to same sex couples renders them second class citizens and demeans the history of civil rights in this State."

 

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"If we believe, as did our founding fathers, that all people should be treated equally under the law, then we must support marriage for same sex couples. For a more caring society, we need more committed, loving couples, heterosexual or homosexual!"

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Mayor John Shields:
Village of Nyack

"After I was elected I realized that I would marry people but could not marry a person of my choice. The Pledge of Allegiance ends ‘…with liberty and justice for all.’ Perhaps in light of what’s happening in the United States today it should end ‘…with liberty and justice for some."

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Rabbi William Strongin: Jewish Congregation of New Paltz
New Paltz, NY

"When two people choose one another to love, to support and in general to form an alliance together in order to deal with the vast array of powers that buffet our lives, that union is holy before God, and to be greatly esteemed by human society. Whether that couple consists of two persons of opposite sex or of the same sex, the union's holiness is the same. A household based upon stability, respect and affection is a haven for children, and these factors are certainly not generated by the mere genders of the parents. I am in favor of full marital rights for same sex couples."

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Nathan C. Walker, M.Div., M.A.Consulting Minister
Unitarian Church of Staten Island

"The New York State Constitution states that no member of New York “shall be disfranchised, or deprived of any of the rights or privileges secured to any citizen.”  To deny homosexuals the right to marry is not only unconstitutional but betrayal of the principles of liberty and justice for all.  My hope is that our state, our country, will come to recognize that love and justice have been married for a very long time."

 

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Fr. John B. Warfel, Rector, Grace Episcopal Church
Middletown, NY

"Marriage equality is a social justice issue. Biblical literalists who claim to know the Mind of God on issues of sexuality are free to believe and preach whatever they choose, just as I am; but none of us is free to deny another citizen basic civil liberties."

 

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New York City

Rabbi David Adelson: East End Temple
New York, NY

"As a Jew, I am commanded to uphold the law that 'There shall be one law for you and the resident stranger...' (Numbers 15:15). For too long, gay men and lesbians have been made to be resident strangers in our society. They are due the same rights as straight people, and their committed relationships are due the same recognition. I am proud to officiate at the weddings of Jewish couples, both same-sex and heterosexual."

 

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Brother John Azzali, FCR: Associate Pastor, Deacon, Sts. Sergius and Bacchus Catholic Apostolic Parish
Astoria, NY

"As a deacon in a sacramental Church in the Catholic tradition, I have joined in sacramental holy union both same -sex couples and different-sex couples. The depth of love and commitment are equal. There is no difference. So the State should honor both equally and afford the benefits and obligations to all."

 

 

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The Reverend Luis Barrios: St. Mary's Epicopal Church
New York, NY

"One of my privilege as a priest is to use the gift of blessing that God gave as a way of reaffirming people's relationship. I always look in this blessing the values of commitment, love and respect. Similar to a heterosexual couple, if two men or two women can reveal these values I then go for the marriage blessing. This is my solemn vow." 

 

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The Reverend J. Barrington Bates: Curate, Church of the Ascension (Episcopal)
New York, NY

"Since the beginning, Christians have tried to exclude other people from the Church based on their history, lifestyle, or ethnic group. The Holy Spirit has consistently demonstrated that this is wrong. In the Acts of the Apostles, for instance, we read of Cornelius, a Roman centurion and a Gentile, and of Peter's attempts to exclude him and others like him from the Church. The Holy Spirit intervened, and Peter saw the error of his ways (Acts 10).

Our modern-day rancor about same-gender marriage is really no different from this and other debates-about the full inclusion of women, those of different ethnic backgrounds, and other marginalized groups. And those who would seek to continue to discriminate against gay and lesbian people are no less wrong. As Simon Peter said, 'If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us …, who was I that I could hinder God?'"

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The Reverend Kevin Bean: St. Bartholomew's Church
New York, NY

"I do not see how Church or State can define and then exclude people on the basis of sexual orientation alone - not if the law of love is more important than the laws of biology or precedents in civil or canon law. If we judge what is natural and appropriate according to the Law of Love, and if we can affirm that gays and lesbians can be as loving and responsible spouses and parents as straight people, then how is homosexual love and same-sex marriage contrary to human nature or societal customs? What makes heterosexual relationships and marriage any more special or worthy of support and legal sanction? Shouldn't a relationship be judged by its inner worth rather than just by its outward appearance? Isn't it in the interest of the Church and the State to support family stability? So then why should anyone deny support for overtly gay stable monogamous relationships and same-sex marriage? Having blessed same-sex marriages (as the former Rector of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Marblehead, Massachusetts), I look forward to the day I can do the same here in New York."

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"The Empire State Pride Agenda has my full and unqualified support for your position on the right of same-sex couples to marry in New York State. As a Rabbi it has been my privilege to stand under the chuppah, the marriage canopy, with same-sex couples, as I believe gender should not be a barrier to espressing a loving commitment to another human being in a recognized legal context. I do not think the State has a compelling or even reasonable justification to withhold this right."

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“Assemblymember Bing believes that economic rights are civil rights, and that they should be fairly extended to all members of our society. He is a proud co-sponsor of A. 7463, legislation that would amend the New York State Domestic Relations Law to formally recognize same-sex marriages. He feels that same-sex couples should have equal access to the legal and social protections, responsibilities, and benefits of civil marriage. To that end, Assemblymember Bing has also co-sponsored four pieces of legislation to recognize domestic partnerships to ensure that all New Yorkers, independent of sexual preference, have access to the same fair insurance-related and economic benefits as other spouses.”

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Barbara Bowen, President
Professional Staff Congress (PSC)/City University of NY
American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
New York, NY

"Unions have always been about rights, and the union movement is at its most powerful when we fight to expand the civil and economic rights of all-not just union members. Equal access to marriage-as a unique social institution of a civil society-is a fundamental civil right. Marriage bestows 1,138 federal protections and benefits, including the right to hospital visitation, to financial benefits, to numerous protections for children. No one should be denied these rights on the basis of sex, gender-identity, sexual orientation or affectional preference. An injury to one is an injury to all."

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"Metropolitan Community Church stands in the vanguard of the movement for marriage equality and filed the first suit in U.S. history seeking civil recognition for our relationships. While we support the right of religious communities to differ in theological perspectives, scriptural interpretation and the application of moral and ethical standards, we believe it is the state's responsibility to equally recognize and protect all its citizens. Therefore, we are committed to using our voice to maintain the separation of church mandate and state law, and to move the quest for marriage equality forward on behalf of all New Yorkers."

 

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Arthur Cheliotes, President
Local 1180, Communication Workers of America (CWA)
New York, NY

"Workers are workers, no matter their orientation or color. They need to have equal rights, equal opportunities, and the right to decent life."

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"As a long-time advocate for equal rights, tolerance, and privacy, I support the Freedom to Marry initiative. I believe that adults in a committed relationship should be able to enjoy the legal rights and benefits of marriage."

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"I support marriage for same-sex couples because marriage is a civil right. The 1,138 federal rights and hundreds of state rights and protections automatically granted to heterosexual couples upon marriage are systematically denied to gay men and lesbians. As a rabbi I believe strongly in the separation of religion and state in this country. Clergy of all faiths have the constitutional right to perform their religious faith according to their own dictates. People of all sexual orientations and gender identities should have equal access to equal rights in this country. Denying gay men and lesbians the right to legal marriage is to deny that they are fully equal human beings in the eyes of our laws and our society."

 

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"I firmly believe that Christians, religions and people as a whole need to assume the responsibility of addressing the issue of Heterosexism/Homophobia seriously. As a Christian Black-Latina woman who struggles against sexism and racism, I find that our common ground to unite and end all degrading actions towards human beings should be the love, respect and justice that we are to practice with ALL of God's creation. As part of the body of Christ we are to respect, love and celebrate healthy relationships despite who are the individuals in the relationship."

 

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“Equality is the principal that our founding fathers believed in when they created our great Nation. The ability to enjoy the civil rights of marriage isn’t a privlege for some, but an equal right for all. Attempts by some to politicize this issue, and thereby the lives of millions of Americans, is both blatantly and patently un-American. As a United States Congressman, the son of immigrants and a life long resident of New York City, I am proud to support the Pride Agenda in their campaign for marriage equality.”

 

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Councilmember Inez Dickens:
New York City Council, 9th District
Representing part of Manhattan

 

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"The Reform Jewish Movement, inspired by Genesis's teaching that all human beings are created b'tselem Elohim (in the Divine image), has a long history of welcoming gay and lesbian Jews into our congregations and communal life. Our advocacy on behalf of the LGBT community includes legislative and judicial efforts to secure equal opportunity through same sex marriage. While I believe that same sex unions embody kedushah, holiness, just as more traditional marriages do, nonetheless, each faith community has the right to make its own decisions about which marriages to sanctify. However, when it comes to civil marriage, our laws must equally protect all Americans, no matter their sexual orientation, and all couples should receive the same legal benefits of marriage."

 

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Barbie Gatton, President
Committee of Interns & Residents*
Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
*for identification only

"For years, union members have embraced all families, gay and straight. Gay families have become more visible in the workplace. People came to realize that equal pay for equal work includes the idea of health care benefits for gay families. While health care benefits are a step toward social justice, true equality cannot be achieved unless gay couples are entitled to civil marriage and all the rights that go with it."

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John Gillis, International Vice President & General Manager
New York Joint Board
UNITE HERE
Metro New York and New Jersey

"As a labor organization, we believe gay marriage is a human right. Anyone who claims to be for family values has to recognize the value of family."

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“New York should have welcomed loving, committed same-sex couples to the institution of marriage a long time ago. Allowing same-sex couples to marry is a simple matter of justice for all people that is long overdue. I firmly support the right of same-sex couples to marry.

 

 

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The Reverend Robert W. Gunn, Ph.D.: Lecturer in Psychiatry and Religion, Union Theological Seminary and Interim Senior Pastor, Broadway United Church of Christ
New York, NY

"I believe that marriage equality for same-sex couples follows clearly and directly not only from a human rights point of view, but from a spiritual point of view. As clergy, we affirm that the source of all real loving comes from our common Creator God, and that 'where love is, God is.' In the marriage ceremony, we hold up the rings and declare that they are the 'outward and visible sign of an inward, invisible grace....' How can we fail to bless where God as love appears in the commitment of one person to another?"

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Rev. Dr. Barbara Jones-Hagedorn
Consultant for Congregational Life and Mission
VITAL- Vision, Interpretation, Transformation, Action, Leadership.

"I support marriage between same sex couples because I believe the theology of my Reformed Tradition teaches us to honor commitments made by couples who are willing to live in faithfulness to their baptismal vows, united in a covenantal relationship that is based upon fidelity to God and to each other. That covenantal relationship provides a frame for the relationship of the couple who are called to model God's justice and mercy.

Standards of conduct and service required of all Christian couples and the laws created to protect their union, should apply to all couple regardless of gender."

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"I support the rights of Gay and Lesbian couples to marry legally because it is important to extend the same rights and priviledges to every member of our society. The law must be inclusive of every person and must be applied equally. The same protections, respect, and financial advantages must accrue to each of us. If God does not leave anyone out, who are we to make such distinctions?"

 

 

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William F. Henning, Jr., Second Vice President
Local 1180, Communication Workers of America (CWA)
New York, NY

"By bargaining domestic partner language in contracts we negotiate we have attempted to secure the same benefits for all our members, and it has worked well for some benefits--but not for others. Some government programs available to spouses are not available to domestic partners. That is why all workers must be entitled to full and equal rights of civil marriage."

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"I am proud that Reform Judaism represented by the Central Conference of American Rabbis and the Union for Reform Judaism is on record as advocating full legal status for same gender marriage. Our movement welcomes gay and lesbian Jews and their families into our congregations and all aspects of communal life. I personally view committed relationships, whether same or opposite gender couples, as potentially holy and thereby meriting the Jewish blessings of Kiddushin (Sanctification) through formal acts of marriage. Therefore I wholeheartedly support the rights of same sex couples to marry in New York State."

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"The 14th Amendment to the Constitution clearly requires that all citizens of the states must have equal rights. Currently all the states confer a wide range of rights to legally married heterosexual couples. Therefore, I believe that the denial of any legal marriage option to same sex couples is clearly in violation of the !4th Amendment. The states and the federal governments could, of course, cease sanctioning "marriages" at all and simply have a "register of unions" available to all couples who desire to live together in a legal status. This would not affect religious organizations that wish to conduct marriage ceremonies or continue the divisive debate over gay marriage, but it would at least guarantee the same legal rights to all united couples that state and federal government allot now only to heterosexual couples. This would not be full justice, but at least it would be constitutional."

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"I support marriage equality for three reasons. One, the words of our nation's Constitution "with liberty and justice for all" must be our guide for ensuring the civil liberties and human rights of all of our nation's citizens. The Supreme Court has ruled that marriage is such a foundational civil and human right that even individuals who have been stripped of all of civil rights because of their own heinous actions are still given the rights under the laws to marry. Two, enabling the religious values of some Americans to promote the continued denial of any citizens' right to marry is provides opportunity for the disregard and erosion of other civil liberties in the name of God. Three, denying any citizens the civil rights extended to others sends a message that "those" citizens are inherently less deserving; this message of marginalization, in turn, becomes a preamble for victimization and violence against those who have been marginalized. Because of my passion for justice, as informed by my faith, I support marriage equality both as a citizen and as a Christian minister."

 

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"Being legally married to my partner would make a world of difference. It would acknoledge that we have made certain promises to one another, before God and in front of our friends and family. It would mean that we could make medical decisions on one another's behalf. It would ensure that I would not have to worry if she would receive benfits should I die. It would enable us to protect our children should we decide to have any. In short, it would allow our relationship real equality."

 

 

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Fred Kaplan, President
Retail Employees Union Local 340
UNITE HERE
New York, NY

"Local 340 for many years has had same-sex domestic partner benefits in our health insurance plan, but we believe that all the benefits of marriage should be extended to these families."

 

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"Marriage is not made stronger by excluding people from it. The attempt to deny gay and lesbian couples the right to marry is not a defense of marriage it is bigotry. It's an attack on the very dignity of GLBT people. The religious right has chosen marriage for same-sex couples as its current target, as a lens through which to focus hatred for gay people. We must fight for our right to marry as we fought and continue to fight against other forms of discrimination. They believe God would have us burn in hell. I believe God created GLBT people in the divine image along with the rest of human kind. Which God do you believe in? Rabbi Kleinbaum is spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Simchat Torah in New York, the world's largest lesbian and gay synagogue."

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Senator Liz Krueger:
New York State Senate, 26th District
Representing part of Manhattan

"It is simply un-American to argue that different citizens have differing sets of rights based on their sexual identities. Same-sex couples must have the same rights as heterosexual couples, rights that will guarantee the legal and social protections, as well as the benefits, of marriage."

 

 

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"I fully support the right of each and every New Yorker to marry whomever they wish. All who know that the qualities of love and family are greater than the fears of prejudice and hate ought to share in that belief. No citizen should be denied the rights guaranteed to his of or her sister or brother."

 

 

 

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Wilfredo Larancuent, International Vice President & Manager
Laundry, Drycleaning and Allied Workers Joint Board
UNITE HERE
Metro NY

"Marriage is an issue of people loving each other and wanting to spend their lives together. They can be black and white, man and woman, woman and woman or man and man. It's a civil rights issue."

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"Jesus Christ reached me--a straight man--through my relationships with committed, gay Christian couples. In my early 20s, I met several couples whose 'perfect love cast out all fear.' These women and men had, to the person, received into their lives an irrepressible, life-changing love from God that allowed them to love their partners fiercely and faithfully, no matter what their families, society, or the church said. To know that you are loved, and to turn and love another--no matter the cost: if that's not a holy Christian life, I don't know what is."

 

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"The right of consenting adults to marry their loved ones is inherent in the ideal of 'life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness' upon which our great nation was founded. Anything less than full marriage equality for same-sex couples constitutes separate and unequal treatment."

 

 

 

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"In our community, everyone has an important role. Straight or gay, woman or man, rich or poor, young or old - it makes no difference.

Sadly, the commitment ceremonies we perform for gay and lesbian couples aren't matched by New York State legal recognition. Until that happens, we'll continue to work for full civil rights for all New Yorkers."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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"I support the legal right of gay and lesbian persons to marry in New York State. I believe that gay and lesbian persons can vow "to love each other, comfort each other, honor and keep each other, in sickness and in health, and forsaking every other, keep to each other, as long as they both shall live." Our congregation has decided to bless such vows, and I believe that the State of New York should legitimize and protect such vows with full marital recognition. I believe this course will strengthen marriage and add to the health and wholeness of society at large. "

 

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“The right to marry is just that: ‘a right’ which must be available to all of us, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.

I stand with ESPA and every other organization dedicated to remedy the injustice caused when our families are barred from over 1,000 federal and 700 state rights and responsibilities because we are denied access to civil marriage.

Civil unions and domestic partnerships are a step in the right direction but until civil marriage is available to everyone, same-sex families' best hope is to live a second-class citizenship under a legal structure that is separate and unequal to civil marriage.

Achieving the right to same-sex civil marriage plays an integral role in implementing ESPA's stated goal of ‘winning equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender New Yorkers and our families.”

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"I am strongly in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage. The ability to love is a gift of God; the willingness to make a life-long commitment is blessed by God. Who are we to judge or deny?"

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"As a happily married woman, I know that one of life's greatest blessings is the committed love that leads to marriage and a life together. It is a sacred opportunity that I believe is the birthright of every human being willing to make that commitment. As a liberal religious leader, I have the privilege of ministering to many same-sex couples. I have witnessed the joy of those couples who have found an enduring love, as well as the sorrow that results because our society refuses to acknowledge, support and legally protect the love and dedication of same-sex couples. This refusal is wrong, it is unfair, it imposes on all of us a single narrow definition of marriage that my religious tradition does not share, and-most of all-it mocks the precious gift we know love to be. For these reasons, I am a passionate supporter of marriage equality, and pledge my support for the day when any two people who love each other may freely step forward into the adventure of marriage."

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Senator Velmanette Montgomery:
New York State Senate, 18th District
Representing part of Brooklyn


"As a co-sponsor of the marriage equality bill in New York State, I proudly endorse the right of LGBT couples to enter into civil marriage and receive the same governmental entitlements and protections afforded heterosexual couples. Same-sex marriage is about equal protection under the law.

 

 

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“Equal treatment under the law for same-sex couples is a matter of basic justice and fairness. These couples should have the right to do what every opposite-sex couple takes for granted - the right to walk into any city hall in this country and have their loving commitment to each other supported and recognized by the State through civil marriage.”

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“The right to marry is a basic civil right. That is why my partner and I joined the lawsuit to strike down the New York State law barring same-sex marriage.”

 

 

 

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Roshi Enkyo O'Hara, abbot of Village Zendo in Manhattan
New York, NY

"When two people commit to care for one another, to dedicate their lives in a mutual effort toward spiritual and ethical good, it is a marvelous thing. How could anyone be excluded from this natural human aspiration? When we open our minds to include all beings, we enter the realm of goodness and completeness. May this struggle help all beings to realize the unconditional value of every human life."

 

 

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Rev. Dámaris E. Ortega
San Romero de Las Américas
New York, NY

"Same sex marriage extends full and equal legal rights and priviledge to same sex couples, just as heterosexual couples have enjoyed, but from a spiritual and holistic point of view, it is much more than that. It extends to the sacredness of a covenant made in love and committedment of couples that long for the recognition of their relationship, with the blessing and affirmation in full, as a matter of justice, pastoral care, and equality in our society and in their faith communities. I strongly believe that by us supporting same sex marriage we are showing the seriousness and committement in relationships that become holy relationships in the hearts of those entering the covenant and in the eyes of society."

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Sally Otos, Esq. , Founding Local Officer
Columbia University Clericals Local 2110 United Auto Workers (UAW)
Currently Counsel to Columbia Medical School SEIU Local 693
New York, NY

"As a Local Officer of the clerical workers union at Columbia University, I remember negotiating domestic partner Bereavement Leave during the AIDS epidemic. Lesbian and gay union families at Columbia University now have domestic partner health benefits as well. But as a labor, employment and civil rights attorney, I see the thousand civil disadvantages these families face all the time-from immigration to inheritance to child custody issues. Only the New York State Courts or the State Legislature can complete the work that I helped begin over 20 years ago to provide equal rights and economic justice for gay and lesbian families. As a lesbian whose partner died without access to my medical benefits, I feel the lack of those rights every day."

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"I support the right for same sex New Yorkers to marry because the right of two people to love and to make a public affirmation and commitment of that love to one another cannot or should not be legislated because of prejudice and fear. As people of faith, we have a divine call to affirm the dignity and worth of every human being. To deny a same-sex couple the 1,049 rights that a heterosexual couple immediately receives the moment they say 'I do' violates the biblical mandate to 'let justice to roll down like rivers and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.'(Amos 5:24) Same sex marriage is at its heart about love, equality, and justice."

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“I believe that marriage is a fundamental right that should be extended to all loving couples. Legislating discrimination is a dangerous road to travel down and I, for one, find myself worried when the government takes it upon itself to decide which two people should make a life together.

 

 

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Rev. David C. Parsons, pastor
St. John-St. Matthew-Emanuel Lutheran Church
Brooklyn, NY

"I support the right for same-sex couples to marry - in New York State, and in every state. I speak as a Christian, as an ordained pastor, and as a human being who happens to have been created heterosexual. I base my conviction on holy scripture (here I especially commend Acts 5:38-39 - ...if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them-in that case you may even be found fighting against God!), tradition, and personal experience."

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Region 9A New York Metro Community Action Program (CAP) Council
United Auto Workers (UAW)
New York, NY

"For many years the UAW has worked hard to protect the rights of our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members and their families against discrimination and bigotry. In fact as far back as 1982 he UAW pioneered domestic partner benefits for its members at the Village Voice. The UAW membership in N.Y. includes a wide range of white collar and blue collar workers - from university adjunct professors, university teaching and research assistants to legal aid lawyers, and from creative and technical writers to auto repair mechanics and various other industrial workers. But we are all agreed that same-sex couples should have the civil right to marriage and the approximately 1500 other legal benefits and protections that can't be won through collective bargaining, but can come through marriage equality."

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Maida Rosenstein, President
Technical, Office and Professional Local 2110
United Auto Workers (UAW)
New York, NY

"Our union has fought for years to establish domestic partner benefits in our contract negotiations with employers, because we believe in equal coverage for ALL of our members, straight or gay. Marriage equality is a matter of justice and fairness."

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Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal
New York State Assembly, 67th District
Representing part of Manhattan

 

 

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Senator John D. Sabini
New York State Senate, 13th District
Representing part of Queens

 

 

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The Reverend M. Zell Schwartzman:
New York, NY

"We wave the supreme flags of Civil Rights Equality and Love.
We are New York State.

and so :

If not us…who?
If not here… where?
If not now.....when?'

We must sanction same- sex marriages. Now."

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Senator Eric T. Schneiderman:
New York State Senate, 31st District
Representing parts of Bronx and Manhattan

 

 

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"Same-sex couples who wish to be married should be allowed, indeed encouraged, to do so and should be celebrated as examples of persons willing to undertake faithful, loving commitment to one another. For in marriage they are vowing to stay together, to support each other, to be faithful to one another, and, in some cases, to nurture children together.

Marriage equality is also essential to the free exercise of religion, to religious organizations' right to decide for themselves which couples can be blessed and married. A number of religious denominations endorse same-sex marriage, including Reconstructionist Judaism, The Unitarian/Universalist Association, The Metropolitan Community Church, and the United Church of Christ. The government's current definition of marriage endorses the free exercise of some Americans' religious beliefs while prohibiting the free exercise of other Americans' religious beliefs."

 

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"As I understand the Jewish Tradition, opposition to homosexuality in the past was based on an anachronistic and faulty understanding of human sexuality.
Therefore we can no longer be guided by those old views.
Today our source of guidance about homosexuality and gay relationships has to be grounded in core Jewish values---justice, love for all and the encouragement of intimate, loving human relationships. My support for gay marriage is derived from my commitment to these Jewish"

 

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"In looking at what is too often a tempestuous debate as same-sex marriage becomes a legal right across our nation in the years ahead, the twin foundations for religious support are clear: Love and Justice…

God's love knows no bounds, and each one of us is a child of a sacred creation, whose worth, dignity, and rights deserve honor.

Wherever a deep, committed love blesses a couple, no matter one's gender, we should rejoice for God is present in that Love.

Justice is the social incarnation of Love, and I look forward to that day when same-sex couples receive all the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, especially that of marriage."

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"In Hebrew the word for holiness is kedusha. A form of this word is also used to refer to the wedding ceremony. When two people who love each other come together to commit to each other that is kedusha---holy. Such moments are too rare in our world, therefore any such moment is sacred and holy and should be celebrated by Judaism."

 

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“Marriage must be guaranteed to all people regardless of their sexual orientation. I sincerely hope that our courts will deliver long overdue justice by standing with the LGBT community on this issue. When a segment of our population is denied the basic benefits of a legal marriage, our society will remain unjust.”

 

 

 

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Lynn Taylor, President
Local 1930, District Council 37
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
Manhattan and the Bronx

"Marriage is a basic civil right and should be extended to all, regardless of their sexual orientation."

 

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"Scripture's promise that "in the very place it was said to them, 'you are not my people', they shall be called children of the living God" (Rom. 9:26) is a call from all kinds of exile and exclusion to come home--perhaps to a place we have never been before. Every time the church celebrates covenant love in same-sex relationships, we remind ourselves of the saving truth that we all come to God's love by grace; from slaves to chosen people, from gentiles to adopted children, from outcast to fully and lovingly embraced."

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"As a Pastor and professional man of faith, I fully support the legalization of marriage unions for same sex couples. The key to building stronger communities is creating an atmosphere which encourages couples to make a lifetime commitment to spiritual partnership. Let's not confuse a conversation about bigotry with credible debates about theology and dogma."

 

 

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“Same-sex couples in committed relationships deserve the same rights and legal protections as heterosexual couples. I have been a staunch supporter of marriage for same-sex couples as a fundamental human rights issue. Our City, State and Nation must aspire to the principles of equality and inclusivity, not bigotry and divisiveness.”

 

 

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"Gay marriage will be one step towards bridging the gap between first class and second class citizenship. When we come to a decision to profess our love and care for each other, wanting that relationship to be blessed and affirmed by our community, we have access to the very support our religious communities profess to offer to its believers."

 

 

 

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Randi Weingarten, President
United Federation of Teachers (UFT)
American Federation of Teachers (AFT)
New York, NY

"All New Yorkers who want to marry should be allowed to do so. Period."

 

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Rabbi Wenig: Rabbi Emerita - Beth Am, The People's Temple, Instructor - Jewish Institute of Religion
New York, NY

"Marriage at its best is good for society. When marriage provides emotional stability and financial support for children and homemakers, when marriage helps sustain commitment even in the face of challenges, when marriage supports sanctuaries of safety and security not to mention love, in an insecure world, then marriage is good for society. Gay and lesbian couples, seeking legal recognition of our relationships, are defenders of marriage. Granting us the right to marry does not threaten marriage it underscores its value to us all."

 

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"I support the right for same-sex couples to marry in New York State mainly because it shows that we commit to one another as partners in life so we can share all the benefits hetero married life offers."

 

 

 

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Rabbi Nancy H. Wiener, DMin
Director, Jacob and Hilda Blaustein Center for Pastoral Counseling
Hebrew Union College
NY, NY

"As a Reform rabbi, I strongly support Marriage Equality in NY because I see it as an essential means for us to affirm the full dignity and civil equality of gay and lesbian New Yorkers. My religious community affirms the sanctity of same-sex committed relationships and celebrates such relationships through religious ceremonies for years. Unfortunately, I must clarify for each couple for whom I serve as an officiant, that while the ceremony brings equality for them within our religious community, in the absence of civil recognition of their relationship, they can never achieve the status of "next of kin," with its specific rights and responsibilities that redound on every heterosexual married couple. All New Yorkers in committed relationships who wish protection under the law should be able to attain it. It is for this reason that I support Marriage Equality in New York and across our nation. "

 

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Nancy Wohlforth, Secretary-Treasurer
Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU)
NYC Metro Area

“Many labor unions, including OPEIU, have endorsed same-sex civil marriages and seek to expand workplace benefits for their gay and lesbian members.  All gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender workers unequivocally deserve the same benefits as heterosexual workers.”

 

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Long Island

 

 

 

 

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Rabbi Benjamin David: Temple Sinai of Roslyn
Roslyn Heights, NY

"As a rabbi, teacher, and community leader I proudly support same-sex marriages. The Judaism that I know values all individuals, and the sanctity of all loving relationships. I am therefore honored to work with my colleagues across the state as we attempt to achieve equal rights - civil rights and civil justice - for all citizens."

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"God has created some people as heterosexuals and others as homosexuals. This is not perversity but human diversity. All people - gay men, lesbians, straight men and straight women - are created b'tzelem Elohim, in the image of God and all people are equal recipients of God's love. What is that makes us human beings? In large measure, it is our ability to love and be loved. I support marriage rights for homosexual men and women and will officiate for Jewish couples using the same standards that I require of heterosexual couples."

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Thomas F. Liotti, Esq., Village Justice
Westbury

"I support equal rights and the right of gays and lesbians to marry. There should be a change in the law to allow for equality. As a Village Justice for the Incorporated Village of Westbury, if the law were changed, I would be honored to perform gay marriage ceremonies."

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"All who love God and believe that they are called according to God's purpose should and must support equal rights for all. The right to marry is a basic human right and should not be denied on the basis of ignorance or prejudice (as is currently the case)."

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"When two people fall in love and establish a permanent relationship of fidelity, monogamy and constancy, there is sanctity between them regardless of their sexual orientation. Because I believe that God blesses such commitment, we should as well."

 

 

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