By becoming the first state to legislatively enact marriage equality, New York can be a model of tolerance to the rest of the nation and a state whose residents can all raise strong families. Governor Paterson's recent directive that all state agencies must recognize same-sex marriages from out of state is an encouraging first step. It is past time that our state legislature enacts full marriage equality.
Beyond the moral imperative that should compel state action on the issue, marriage equality will be an economic boon for the state. A study by UCLA estimates that California will enjoy nearly a $65 billion boost to state coffers as a result of the recent California Supreme Court decision in favor of marriage equality. It pays to do the right thing.
I also support the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), a proposed bill that would outlaw discrimination of transgender, transsexual, and gender-variant New Yorkers in the workplace, housing, and public accommodations.
