Task Force celebrates NY marriage equality as couples begin to wed
Same-sex couples begin marrying today in New York. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force extends its congratulations to all the same-sex couples who will be tying the knot in the Empire State. We were proud to support New Yorkers United for Marriage in the effort to secure marriage equality.
Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey says:
Today the doors of marriage equality swing open in New York. It’s no surprise a flood of same-sex couples is expected to flow through. Some have literally waited decades for this historic moment. We are thrilled for the couples who will marry today, tomorrow, the next day, and beyond. To finally be able to share and celebrate one’s love and commitment legally and publicly is a lifelong dream for many couples and families. Until you have walked in the shoes of someone who has been denied this fundamental freedom — a rite that bonds us as a people — it is hard to comprehend just how profoundly moving this moment is. Today is a day to rejoice and celebrate.
New York Latinos United for Marriage Equality, a coalition of Latino/a elected officials and LGBT rights advocates of which the Task Force is a member, also released a statement:
Today is a historic day. For far too long, thousands of loving and committed same-sex couples have waited for this moment. New York is a better place today than it was yesterday because it now has marriage equality. For Latino/a individuals in same-sex relationships, this is a momentous occasion because now they will get the legal and social recognition that they form a familia. We wish each and every one of these newlyweds much joy and happiness in their marriages. We also want to express our gratitude and pride in our Latino/a community for supporting same-sex couples and their families. We thank those Latino/a elected officials who heard the true voice of our community and voted for marriage equality. Any attempt to block people from having access to fundamental rights should be rejected. We should treat everyone equally under the law. New York now leads by example as it recognizes the freedom to marry.
The coalition comprises New York City Council Members Rosie Méndez and Melissa Mark-Viverito; New York Sens. Adriano Espaillat and Gustavo Rivera, New York Assemblyman Guillermo Linares, New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn’s LGBT and HIV/AIDS Liaison Carlos Menchaca, Manhattan Borough President Community Liaison Juan Ignacio Rosa, 1199SEIU LGBTQ Caucus, Lavender is Purple Caucus-32BJ, Bronx for Change, Latinos/as Unidos de New York, Gay and Lesbian Dominican Empowerment Organization, NY State Black & Latino LGBT Democratic Club, Make the Road NY, Stop the Deportations – The DOMA Project and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
