NY Sen. George Onorato (D) Explains

"Thank you contacting me regarding same sex marriage. While I continue to support civil unions for gay and lesbian couples, I remain opposed to same-sex marriage. I believe that marriage is between one man and one woman. In the months leading up to the vote, I heard frequently from constituents on both sides of the debate, and I believe my district is split on this issue.

"Over the years, I have voted in favor of other legislation of importance to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, including the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act (SONDA) and the hate crimes law. I continue to support the Dignity for All Students Act and the Gender Identification Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), and I hope they will be brought up for a vote in the new legislative session. While I do not support same-sex marriage, I would vote in favor of civil union legislation as a way to broaden legal protections and rights for same-sex couples. I deeply respect the views of the LGBT community on same-sex marriage, and I have appreciated the candid and almost universally respectful dialogue we have had on this issue." - NY Sen. George Onorato (D), responding to an email sent by JMG reader Matt in Queens.

Despite many, many protests, pickets, and rallies outside of his office and in his Western Queens district, Onorato remained unswayed.