Pelosi Statement on Passage of New York Marriage Equality Bill

Contact: Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616
Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement this evening after the New York State Senate passed the historic marriage equality bill. The legislation will soon go to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s desk, where he has said he will sign the bill into law:

“Today marks a tremendous victory for all those who believe in civil rights, fairness, and equality for every American, regardless of their race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. Governor Cuomo is to be commended for his leadership and persistence in achieving this historic accomplishment.

“New York’s legislators have taken a courageous step forward, acting on our values as a nation, marking a critical milestone in the ongoing struggle for marriage equality. When Governor Cuomo signs the bill into law, the state of New York will send a message to the entire country: that the arc of history continues to bend toward justice; that no New Yorker and no American should face the sting of discrimination because of who they are or who they love.

“The fight for marriage equality is far from over. In California, we will keep up our effort to overturn Prop. 8 in the courts. Nationwide, we will keep working toward the day when all American families are treated with respect and viewed equally in the eyes of the law.”