Thousands of New Yorkers to march in support of marriage equality

29 Aug 2008

MARCHERS TO CALL UPON THE STATE SENATE TO PASS THE MARRIAGE BILL

On Sunday, September 14th, thousands of people will gather in New York (at City Hall Park and at a footbridge in Albany) and (in solidarity) at San Francisco'sGolden Gate Bridge, to march in support of marriage equality for all New Yorkers. Since its inception 5 years ago in NYC, this annual march across the Brooklyn Bridge has helped raise awareness about the continued lack of access to the rights and responsibilities of civil marriage experienced by the state's same-sex couples. The march has grown into the largest pro-marriage equality rally in the United States.

Now that California has granted equal marriage rights for all its gay and lesbian citizens, pressure is building for New York to follow suit. Last year, the New York State Assembly voted in favor of a marriage equality bill, but the State Senate has thus far failed to vote on the measure. Their inaction has added even further significance to this march.
Governor Paterson has cemented his stance as a supporter of same-sex marriage. The Wedding March is designed to be a visible statement in support of his efforts and those
of every person and group fighting for marriage equality across New York.

Ron Zacchi, Co-Executive Director for MENY believes that "it's time for the State
Senate to do the right thing and vote to make New York the third state in the country to grant equal marriage rights for all its citizens. We must raise our collective voices in
support of this most basic of civil rights!"

Cathy Marino-Thomas, MENY's Executive Director says: "New York has historically
been in the forefront of providing all its citizens equal access to the rights and
protections afforded by the state. The Wedding March serves as a reminder, from state to state and nationally, that this important civil rights issue will only be rectified when the legalized discrimination ends".

This year, all three marches have registered participants that are raising money to help
the marriage equality movement. The proceeds from this year's march will help MENY
fund statewide events that increase awareness and educate the public on this important
issue.

Founded in 1998, MENY is the oldest and organization in the state of New York to advocate for full equal marriage for same-sex couples. A."grassroots,501( C) (3) non-for-profit organization, MENY and its dedicated volunteers are devoted to ending discrimination in civil marriage through education, awareness and media campaigns, political actions, and coalition.