New York State Assembly Passes Marriage Equality Bill

"The Assembly’s passage of this legislation represents both a personal and professional victory for me. Once the Marriage Equality bill passes in the Senate and is signed into law, I will be able to marry my partner of 26 years. Thousands of other couples like us will also be allowed not only to celebrate their legal commitment, but also to ensure that each partner, and their children, will be protected in the case of illness, death, or the difficult times from which no family is exempt. Marriage Equality is essential to the stability of New York’s lesbian and gay couples and their children." New York State Assembly Member Daniel J. O'Donnell, June 19, 2007