The hopes and dreams of millions just came true: Marriage equality is about to become the law of the land in New York.
Just now, in a bipartisan vote, the New York State Senate approved a bill granting same-sex couples the same rights and responsibilities of marriage as everyone else. It'll soon go to Governor Cuomo – a stalwart champion of marriage equality – for his signature.
This was no easy victory. In 2009, right-wing groups helped derail marriage equality at the last minute. And just a few weeks ago, the extremist National Organization for Marriage (NOM) committed $1.5 million to stop us from passing this law. But you helped prove once again that with commitment, dedication, and the will to fight, anything is possible.
Here's how your support has helped make this win possible:
- First, you laid the groundwork by investing staff and money in key campaigns that put pro-equality lawmakers in office last year, including Governor Cuomo.
- For the marriage fight, you helped recruit more than 1,000 volunteers, deliver more than 75,515 post cards, and place more than 25,622 phone calls to state senators. You also helped deploy 30 grassroots organizers across the state, who mobilized volunteers and got tens of thousands of people involved.
- Then you helped power a major media campaign featuring actors, athletes, three NYC mayors, two U.S. senators, President Bill Clinton, and even President Bush's daughter, Barbara.
- And you helped fund a unified coalition of LGBT groups that lobbied the New York Legislature and aired TV ads all over the state.
Here's another way to see the impact we've had together:
Soon, New Yorkers young and old will be able to marry whomever they choose. Loving, committed couples will be recognized by law. And the cause of equality will have advanced yet again, in one of our nation's largest states. New York joins just five other states and the District of Columbia in allowing same-sex couples to marry.
But this isn't just a victory for New Yorkers – it's a victory for supporters of equality nationwide. It brings us closer to the day when fair treatment is not just a hope or an aspiration, but a reality.
Daniel, you and I both know we won't win every fight along the way. But even the most heartbreaking losses are only temporary detours on the path to full equality. When we stand together, fight smart, and refuse to give up on a dream, we will get there in the end – just as we have in New York.
Thank you for all that you have done, and will do, to continue winning the civil rights battle of our generation.
Sincerely,
Joe Solmonese
President
P.S. To join the thousands of people on HRC's Mobile Action Network who are among the first to hear about exciting victories like these, text MAP4NY to 30644. We'll text you instructions on how you can add a note to our map of support for New Yorkers.
