Quote Of The Day - Daniel O'Donnell

"Ever since I was a boy, I dreamed of being a politician. But when I was imagining it, there were no openly gay politicians to look up to. I didn't think an openly gay person could be elected to public office. I pursued a legal career, not in the hopes of switching to politics, but as an alternative I could enjoy. My husband, John, and I hid our relationship for more than a decade -- not even sharing an apartment for fear of discovery. By the late 1990s, attitudes had shifted enough that I began to entertain a run for office. By 2002, I had been elected as the first openly gay man in the Assembly. Still, it would be almost another decade before marriage equality finally came to our state. [snip] On New York's anniversary, let us rejoice in our partnerships, and then use them to keep fighting for true equality, freedom from workplace discrimination, and rights for the transgender community. As we await the Supreme Court's decision, I'm hopeful that the justices will choose to open doors for the next generation of LGBT youth. I am excited to see what they can achieve when the way is cleared for them. - New York Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell, celebrating the state's fourth anniversary of same-sex marriage.

Quote Of The Day - Daniel O'Donnell

"As for many, there is a deeply personal element to this historic victory for me. I am very recognizably Irish-American, from my face to my name, but until these last few weeks, I have often felt that I don’t belong. Last month I was invited to Ireland by the Lawyers for Yes Campaign to help kick off the final weeks of advocacy. As the legislative sponsor of Marriage Equality in New York State, I shared my experience on the fight to achieve equal rights. Irish people from all over the world returned home to vote in this election. I returned to the birthplace of my family to help in any way I could. I feel proud to be Irish in a new way today after the people of Ireland declared that one can be Irish and gay and recognized in loving same-sex relationships. Thank you, Ireland, for voting for another step toward universal human rights for all." - New York Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell, in a letter published today by the New York Times.

HomoQuotable - Daniel O'Donnell

"My partner John and I were among the plaintiffs in the New York State Court of Appeals lawsuit challenging the definition of marriage in 2006. Losing that lawsuit made me realize that my legislative priority had to be the passage of New York's Marriage Equality Act. So we took our struggle to the State Legislature. I introduced and gained passage of New York's first Marriage Equality Bill through the State Assembly in 2007, when public support for marriage equality was under 50 percent. Between April and June of that year, in conjunction with numerous grassroots groups, including synagogues, churches, LGBTQ advocacy organizations, and statewide and national coalitions, we worked to convince 85 of the 150 assembly members from across the state to support marriage equality.

"For every debate and every vote, my partner (now husband!) John joined me in Albany to show my colleagues whom they were voting for. We were a couple like any other, a couple who had been together longer than most -- at that point over 30 years -- and all we were asking for was legal recognition of our commitment to one another. Slowly we won converts, as more of my colleagues and more of the residents of New York learned what same-sex marriage would mean for our state. Sometimes progress happens one individual at a time. Three governors, four years, and a continuing, massive grassroots movement later, we were able to pass this historic act through both houses of the legislature on this day in June 2011." - New York state Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell, celebrating the anniversary for the Huffington Post.

RELATED: A reception for O'Donnell's reelection campaign will be held from 5-7PM tonight at Cafe du Soleil at 2723 Broadway (@ 104th Street). Donate online here.

NYS Comptroller To Sochi Sponsors: Denounce Russia's Anti-Gay Crackdown

New York state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli has signed onto a letter which demands that sponsors of the Sochi Olympics issue a denouncement of Russia's anti-gay pogrom. Andy Humm reports at Gay City News:

Ten major Olympic sponsors from Coke to Dow Chemical –– none of which has acceded to calls that they speak out forcefully against Russia’s laws making it a crime to be gay in public –– are now being pressured by the $161 billion New York State Common Retirement Fund, led by Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, to do that and more. New York City Comptroller John Liu and 19 private investment firms also signed the December 3 letter, which has yet to yield a response from the sponsors of the Olympics scheduled for February in Sochi, Russia. “The Russian government’s discriminatory laws have cast a shadow over the Olympics,” DiNapoli said in a December 5 release calling on the sponsors to “stand up for the respect and equality enshrined in the Olympic movement, advocate for human rights, and confront abuses.”

DiNapoli is under pressure from gay politicians, including state Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell and state Sen. Brad Hoylman, who have called on him to divest New York state of all Russian interests.  Read the full letter to Sochi's sponsors.

HomoQuotable - Daniel O'Donnell

"I was in the New York State Court of Appeals courtroom in 2005 when New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg's lawyers argued to reverse the state of New York's first court ruling in favor of marriage equality. Now Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey is making increasingly desperate attempts to appeal his own state's decision before New Jersey couples can obtain licenses on Oc. 21. It should be even clearer to Christie than it was to Bloomberg that he is advocating for yesterday's policies. Those of us who are fighting for LGBT rights must make it clear to him that his position is inexcusable, especially in 2013. [snip] It is time to tell Gov. Christie that his opposition to marriage equality is unacceptable, especially in 2013. I am hopeful that New Jersey's Supreme Court will soon end Gov. Christie's final frantic bid to stop marriage equality in his state. Maybe then he will learn that a man who opposes equality for all is yesterday's politician, not today's, and certainly not tomorrow's." - New York state Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell, writing for the Huffington Post.

NY Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell Calls On State To Divest Russian Assets

Openly gay New York state Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell today called on the state comptroller's office to divest its pension funds from all Russian interests.  Via press release:

"These issues are very personal for me, both as a gay man and as an elected official who has fought against intolerance and bigotry in my work in the New York State Assembly. New York has made steady progress in this area, including through bills I sponsored, like the Marriage Equality Act and New York’s new anti-bullying legislation. In light of this advancement, it is particularly hard to stomach sending tax dollars—my and other New Yorkers’ tax dollars—overseas to a place that is moving backwards in this respect, where I would not only fear bullying or the disregard of my marriage to my husband, but actual violence or state-sanctioned arrest because of who I am. For this reason, I urge you to cease future investment of any portion of the Common Retirement Fund in Russia, and to move toward the full divestment of any assets the Common Retirement Fund has in that country until this discriminatory and dangerous law has been repealed."

RELATED: Openly gay California state Sen. Mark Leno made a similar demand of his state last week.

NEW YORK CITY: Gay Politicians Demand Obama Act On Russia's Anti-Gay Abuses

A coalition of gay New York state legislators and gay NYC politicians have issued a joint letter to President Obama which demands that he respond to Russia's crackdown on LGBT people by canceling a coming meeting with Vladimir Putin. Via press release, here's the letter in full:

Dear President Obama:

We write as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) elected officials from New York City in anticipation of your deciding whether to continue or cancel plans for an upcoming diplomatic trip to Russia to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. While you are considering whether to cancel that trip in light of Russia's decision to give asylum to Edward Snowden, we also urge you to consider the country's horrendous treatment of members of the LGBT community and its clear human rights abuses aimed at our community. Russia has become a country that persecutes anyone who might be LGBT or supports gay rights.

As then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on behalf of your administration, “Gay rights are human rights, and human rights are gay rights. It should never be a crime to be gay.” Given that President Putin and Russia have enacted laws to criminalize gay people and supporters and deny human rights to their LGBT citizens, they should not be the beneficiary of any trip by your office until they fully restore all civil rights to LGBT people in their country. Recent actions taken by the Russian government have led LGBT citizens to face not only a society that is intolerant of their basic civil rights, but also a country that would imprison them for declaring support for their own fundamental rights as humans. This has promoted an atmosphere of hate where gay people fear for their own lives and safety. Police are allowed to arrest foreigners who are considered gay or pro-gay and detain them for up to 14 days. Under their new law, as a pro-gay supporter even you could be subject to arrest and imprisonment while in Russia.

Mr. President, you will remember that in December 2011 the White House released a presidential memorandum directing executive officers and agencies that deal in foreign affairs to address human rights abuses against LGBT people abroad and to pressure foreign governments to decriminalize homosexuality. Now it is time for you and your administration to directly act on this memorandum. The LGBT community and its allies in Russia are under attack and the victims of clear human rights abuses. We urge you to stand in solidarity with us. Refuse any diplomatic mission to Russia until President Putin stops these abuses now and agrees to make Russia a country that proudly supports its LGBT community and its allies worldwide. We expect nothing less.

The letter was signed by NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn, state Sen. Brad Hoylman, Assemblywoman Deborah J. Glick, Assemblyman Matthew Titone, Assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell, Assemblyman Micah Kellner, and NYC Council members Jimmy Van Bramer, Rosie Mendez, and Daniel Dromm.

NY OK's Pharmacy Meningitis Shots

Via press release:

Last night, New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed into law State Senator Brad Hoylman’s (D -Manhattan) and State Assembly Member Daniel O’Donnell’s (D-Manhattan) legislation to expand access to meningitis vaccines in the midst of an alarming and deadly outbreak of the disease among men who have sex with men (MSM).

According to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), 22 cases of meningitis among MSM have been reported since 2010, including 17 cases since 2012, seven of which were fatal. The legislation (S.4881A/A.7324A) authorizes licensed pharmacists who have received additional certification, as well as certified nurse practitioners, to administer meningococcal vaccinations to adults 18 years of age and older.

“I am grateful to Governor Cuomo for signing this potentially life-saving bill into law,” said Senator Hoylman. “Allowing pharmacists to administer the meningitis vaccine will help us stop a wider outbreak of this deadly disease, which had evolved into a serious public health concern for New York’s LGBT community. The best way to prevent illness and death from meningitis is to be vaccinated. As we've seen with the flu vaccine, when pharmacists have the authority to administer a vaccine, immunization rates increase.”

I remain very impressed with both the state's and NYC's aggressive handling of this issue.  Have you been vaccinated?

Gay Marriage Turns Two In New York

Two years ago today same-sex marriage became legal in New York state, exactly one month after being passed in the state Senate and signed into law by Gov. Cuomo that same day.  Happy anniversary, New York!

Today At New York City Pride 2013

New York City Pride Grand Marshal Edith Windsor rode in triumph today as about a million people screamed her name. When Windsor's car turned onto Christopher Street, the thunderous chants of "EDIE! EDIE! EDIE" echoed down the very blocks where our movement started 44 years ago this week.  I was completely verklempt as were many, many joyous people behind the barricades.

Sen. Chuck Schumer, Governor Andrew Cuomo, and all of the major Democratic mayoral candidates marched today. Also marching was openly gay Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell, openly gay City Council candidate Corey Johnson, and Rep. Carolyn Maloney. Many more photos are here. You'll love a LOT of today's celebratory signs!

NY Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell Delivers Epic Rant On Transgender Rights

On Tuesday the New York state Assembly approved GENDA, the transgender rights bill, for the sixth time. But not before openly gay Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell delivered an epic rant against the idiots who characterized the item as a "bathroom bill."  O'Donnell: "Spare me your lectures about GOD DAMN bathrooms!"

NY Assembly Passes Gun Bill

The New York Assembly today followed yesterday's action by the state Senate in approving the bill that is being described as the nation's strongest gun control measure.

Openly gay Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell cheers via press release:

We as a community are still reeling from our overwhelming losses in Webster, NY and Newtown, CT. Even one injury or death from gun-related violence is too many, and last year our country felt the shock and grief these events bring all too frequently. Passing today’s legislation was the least my colleagues and I could do to honor the memory of those lost in 2012, and I am proud that we came together to do so.

I want to thank Governor Cuomo for including in the SAFE Act elements of a bill of mine I have long championed. This section of the bill will require that gun licenses be revoked and/or suspended from individuals subject to an order of protection. With this new safeguard and many other common-sense changes to gun safety laws, our government has proven the strength of its commitment to the security and well-being of all its citizens.

SCOTUS Reactions

MA Attorney General Martha Coakley

We believe that the First Circuit’s ruling striking down the Defense of Marriage Act was correct and we look forward to the time when that discriminatory law is conclusively invalidated. Though the Supreme Court has chosen to take up the issue of DOMA’s constitutionality in another case – Windsor v. United States – my office will continue to work hard to support the parties involved. We are hopeful that the Supreme Court will decide, once and for all, that DOMA’s discrimination is unjustifiable and wrong.

Lambda Legal

This is an exciting moment in our journey toward equality. DOMA is a terrible law that forces our government to discriminate against loving same-sex couples, and it is time for it to go. It is clear that DOMA's days are numbered. Every one of the cases that the Court was considering makes a clear and compelling case for striking down this outrageous and discriminatory law. As we have throughout this litigation, we will contribute support and file a friend-of-the-court brief. We look forward to working with the ACLU and other sister organizations in making this case before the Court. As for Hollingsworth v. Perry, while the Supreme Court's decision to review the Ninth Circuit's correct and carefully-worded ruling delays the restoration of equal access to marriage for same-sex couples in California, we believe the lower court rulings in California will stand.

ACLU

Windsor is represented by attorneys from Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP; the American Civil Liberties Union; the New York Civil Liberties Union and the Stanford Law School Supreme Court Litigation Clinic. While New York and eight other states now give same-sex couples the freedom to marry, DOMA requires otherwise legally married same-sex couples like Edie and Thea to be treated by the federal government as if they had never married,” said New York Civil Liberties Union executive director, Donna Lieberman. “It is time for the Supreme Court to strike down this unconstitutional statute once and for all.”

NY Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell

While I am disappointed that Californians will now have to wait even longer for Marriage Equality to be restored in their state, I am profoundly hopeful that the Supreme Court is taking this opportunity to consider the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act. I was proud to help lead New York’s successful Marriage Equality fight, but until the federal government recognizes marriages like mine, we have not achieved true Marriage Equality.

GLAD

DOMA creates a gay-only exception to federal recognition of state-licensed marriages, and we believe that the federal government should stop discriminating against same-sex couples legally married by their states. We know from working with legally married same-sex couples since 2004 in Massachusetts that DOMA undermines their security in every aspect of life and death. GLAD has been leading the fight for marriage equality for two decades, including the historic marriage equality breakthroughs in Massachusetts and Connecticut. That the issue will soon be heard by the Supreme Court is a vindication of our work to achieve equal protection under the law for same-sex couples. This day has been long in the making, and we are committed to the success of this case.

Empire State Pride Agenda

Although marriage equality in New York and the recent wins in Maine, Maryland and Washington were major victories, DOMA currently prevents our marriages from being recognized on the federal level. This means that our commitments are not honored and our families are not protected by the federal government. We are hopeful that the Supreme Court will grant all married couples, in New York and other states, the recognition they deserve by upholding the multiple lower court rulings that have already declared sections of DOMA and Proposition 8 unconstitutional. We view these deliberations as necessary to end discrimination and advance full equality for all Americans.

Human Rights Campaign

Today is a milestone day for equal justice under the law and for millions of loving couples who want to make a lifelong commitment through marriage. The passage of Proposition 8 caused heartbreak for so many Americans, but today’s announcement gives hope that we will see a landmark Supreme Court ruling for marriage this term. As the Court has ruled 14 times in the past, marriage is a fundamental right and I believe they will side with liberty, freedom and equality, moving us toward a more perfect union as they have done in the past. “Proposition 8 has been already been declared unconstitutional in Federal District Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Now the Supreme Court has an opportunity to do the same and send a resounding message of hope to LGBT young people from coast to coast that they have the same dignity and same opportunities for the future as everyone else.

Freedom To Marry

By agreeing to hear a case against the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, the Court can now move swiftly to affirm what 10 federal rulings have already said: DOMA’s ‘gay exception’ to how the federal government treats married couples violates the Constitution and must fall. When it comes to the whole federal safety net that accompanies marriage – access to Social Security survivorship, health coverage, family leave, fair tax treatment, family immigration, and over 1000 other protections and responsibilities -- couples who are legally married in the states should be treated by the federal government as what they are: married." “Additionally, gay and lesbian couples in California – and indeed, all over the country – now look to the Supreme Court to affirm that the Constitution does not permit states to strip something as important as the freedom to marry away from one group of Americans.

CA Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom

Today marks the beginning of the end for a California journey that started eight years ago when San Francisco issued same-sex marriage licenses. By agreeing to hear the Proposition 8 case the U.S. Supreme Court could end, once and for all, marriage inequity in California. Forty-five years after the Supreme Court ruled that marriages between interracial couples were constitutional in Loving vs. Virginia, Justices can once again reaffirm the basic American principal of equality for all. Today’s announcement starts the clock towards the final decision for California. History will one day be divided into the time before marriage equality and the period that follows. And thankfully, we will be on the side of history worthy of being proud of.

Marriage Equality USA

It’s crystal clear that the United States Supreme Court should rule in favor of the freedom to marry. Our Constitution guarantees every American the fundamental human right to marry the person they love – regardless of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or any other external characteristic. Proposition 8 targeted lesbian and gay people – and lesbian and gay people alone – to take away their freedom to marry and thus exclude them from the American dream. Proposition 8 cannot stand.

NGLTF

The recent election signaled just how far we’ve come on the path toward treating all families fairly, with landmark statewide victories affirming the right of loving, committed same-sex couples to share in the celebration and responsibilities of marriage. This long road to the high court has been filled with thousands of personal conversations about why marriage matters to us, and of how discrimination hurts our families. The transformative nature of talking about our love and our lives is clear, as we saw with the recent sweeping statewide marriage victories, and in the fact that the majority of Americans now supports the freedom to marry. But the journey is not finished, for as long as DOMA and Prop. 8 remain intact, then true equality remains out of reach. It’s time the Supreme Court strike down DOMA and Proposition 8, once and for all.

Equality California

While we would have preferred for the court to decline to hear the Prop. 8 case — which would have immediately restored the freedom to marry in California — we've prepared for this and we intend to file a friend-of-the-court brief urging the court to find Prop. 8 unconstitutional. The arguments in favor of the freedom to marry are strong, and we are confident that they will receive a fair hearing from the court. And as we have seen in the last month, the nation has taken important steps forward toward affirming this basic human right — we know that full equality is coming.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

Today’s decision to hear these two cases on same-sex marriage in the nation’s highest court is truly historic. Already, first and second circuit federal appeals courts have deemed DOMA unconstitutional, and I am pleased the Supreme Court will soon have its voice heard on this important issue. Regardless of the Court’s ultimate decision, Congress will need to do its job too. It is well past time for the federal government to recognize the marriages of all loving and committed couples and finally put the discriminatory DOMA policy into the dustbin of history.

National Center for Lesbian Rights

Both the federal DOMA and California’s Proposition 8 serve only one purpose: to harm and stigmatize same-sex couples and their children. Without a doubt, Ted Olson, David Boies, and our colleagues at the ACLU will make the strongest possible case for equality before the Court. We are confident the Supreme Court will strike down DOMA once and for all next year, and, after four long years, will finally erase the stain of Proposition 8 and restore marriage equality to California couples.The day is now clearly in sight when the federal government, the State of California, and every state will recognize that same-sex couples and their children are entitled to the same respect and recognition as every other family.

Log Cabin Republicans

Today's decision by the Supreme Court to review Proposition 8 and hear a challenge to DOMA is another step forward for California couples to marry, with the hope that the federal government will also recognize these marriages," said Executive Director R. Clarke Cooper. "In recent years, many conservative judges have repudiated DOMA, and five of the eight justices who have overturned this anti-federalist and discriminatory statute were appointed by Republicans. Add conservative champions like for former Solicitor General, Ted Olson, and it becomes clear that true conservatism demands respect for the freedom to marry.

More as they arrive....

NEW YORK: State Appeals Court Rejects Bid To Overturn Same-Sex Marriage

Today New York's hate groups hit the end of their miserable, bigoted road.

New York’s top court has declined to hear an appeal from a Monroe County-based group that sought to overturn the state’s law allowing same-sex marriage. The state Court of Appeals announced its decision Tuesday. New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms, a conservative group opposed to same-sex unions, filed a lawsuit against the state Senate last year, claiming that Republicans in the chamber had violated the state’s Open Meetings Law when discussing gay marriage. In particular, the group took issue with a closed-door session held in 2011 with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the Senate GOP’s top financial backer and a supporter of same-sex couples.

Openly gay state Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell, who successfully led same-sex marriage to victory in his chamber fives times before the state Senate finally concurred, has issued a statement:

"This is a tremendous moment for our state. With this action, the Court of Appeals has struck a final blow on behalf of each our citizens to marry the person he or she loves. While I had no doubt that this appeal against equality for all was completely without merit, this decision puts an end to hateful discrimination and preserves this hard-won right once and for all."

Governor Cuomo cheers as well: "With the court’s decision, same-sex couples no longer have to worry that their right to marry could be legally challenged in this state. The freedom to marry in this state is secure for generations to come."

And as we like to say on days like today: Suck it, NOM!

Daniel O'Donnell, DNC Delegate

NY Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell is also a DNC delegate. O'Donnell was the primary Assembly sponsor of the marriage equality bill all three times it passed.

Danny O'Donnell: Mitt Gets Worse

My buddy!

NY's Anti-Bullying Law Now In Effect

As of today, New York's landmark anti-bullying ordinance is now state law. And as with so many LGBT rights issues in New York, heavy credit goes to Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell, the chief sponsor of the bill. Via press release:

"As parents, educators, and former students ourselves, New Yorkers are all well aware of the great harm bullying can cause. I am proud that today schools will have new, more effective tools to curb this harmful epidemic. By discouraging discrimination and emphasizing inclusion, schools will stop harassment before it occurs and help protect both victims and bullies from lifelong damage." [said O'Donnell.] O’Donnell has been collaborating with the Dignity Task Force to develop guidelines that are consistent with the legislative intent: that schools foster an inclusive culture rather than focus on punishing bullies. This technique has been proven effective by several rigorous studies. In early May, O’Donnell also worked with the Board of Regents to ensure that charter school students were included under the new curriculum provisions designed to reduce discrimination, so that every child in New York public schools would be protected. Members of the Dignity Task Force have been holding free training sessions to acquaint educators with the new policies, and will continue to do so over the summer.

Read more about the Dignity For All Students Act.

RELATED: O'Donnell, who represents the Upper West Side of Manhattan, is up for reelection. Please consider showing your appreciation via his campaign ad on this blog.

At Danny O'Donnell's Wedding

NY Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell married John Banta, his partner of 32 years, at a massive NYC event last weekend. The New York Times traces the beginning and course of their relationship in today's Weddings section. Hit the link.

NOTE: In case you're new to JMG, O'Donnell is considered one of the chief architects of marriage equality in New York state, having led the Assembly to approve his bill in three consecutive years.

NY Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell Gets His Marriage License After 31 Years

Yesterday New York Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell and his partner John Banta finally got their marriage license after 31 years together. As has been well documented on this blog, O'Donnell is one of the chief architects of marriage equality in New York, having led his chamber to approve the issue in three consecutive years.

O’Donnell and Banta were at the City Clerk’s office in Downtown Manhattan on Wednesday to obtain their marriage license, but the ceremony and reception will be a much more elaborate affair taking place on Sunday. The guest list reads like a who’s who of New York politics and invitations have gone out to more than 400 guests. “I invited almost all of the members of the Assembly and almost all the members of the Senate who voted yes to come to my wedding, which, when you add their spouses, that’s a lot of people," said O'Donnell. "So they were invited, and most of them are coming.” Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand are expected, as is former Governor David Paterson; Cuomo cannot make it. Judith Kaye, the state’s former chief judge, will officiate.

O'Donnell represents Manhattan's Upper West Side. In lieu of a wedding gift, how about a donation to his 2012 campaign?

Maggie Gallagher Vs. Danny O'Donnell