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01/07/2009
ESPA: In a New York state of happy
Here in New York state, we gays have long had to deal with Senate that seemed to think our sexuality was a "sin, it." So it's understandable why the Empire State Pride Agenda is thrilled with today's selection of Malcolm Smith as the new majority leader of that particular legislative body. The organization's Executive Director, Alan Van Capelle, shares the following thoughts:
“Today, for the first time ever, New York has a pro-LGBT Majority Leadership in the State Senate. We congratulate Senator Malcolm Smith, the new Senate Majority Leader, and look forward to working with him to pass legislation that will bring equality to LGBT New Yorkers and our families.
LGBT New Yorkers and our allies should be proud today. We now not only have a Senate Majority Leader who supports our issues, but one that has stated a number of times that he will help us find the support needed to pass crucial bills like marriage equality, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act and the Dignity for All Students Act.
Our community now has more work to do. Today we know that we have supportive leadership, but we also know that we do not yet have the votes that we need to pass some of our most important bills. In the months to come, LGBT New Yorkers and our allies will be working in districts across the state to build the support that will allow us to bring these bills to the Senate floor for a vote as soon as possible.”
Well said. Now let's go get those votes so that we can heal this purple bruise and again restore the blueness of our dear, pro-queer state.
