(CNN) - New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand issued a strong endorsement Thursday of the legalization of same-sex marriage in her state.
"New York and the nation are ready to start a new chapter. The time has come for full marriage equality," she said in an issued statement. "I commend the Governor for his leadership on this important issue. If Iowa can do it, so can we."
Her comments come the same day Gov. David Paterson announced plans to introduce legislation seeking to add New York to the growing list of states where same-sex couples can legally get married.
Gillibrand did not endorse same-sex marriage when she was a congresswoman from New York's 20th District. Earlier this year, she indicated that she would back it as a senator.
Sen. Chuck Schumer, New York's other senator, has also declared his support for same-sex marriage, after initially opposing the idea.
From CNN Politics
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Dear Erik,
I'll leave my bible out of tax-funded initiatives if you will leave my tax dollars out of them as well.
Of course she does....she is a bright woman and realizes that it is 2009 not 1969...................................equal rights for all!!
50% of male/female marriages end in divorce, and celebrities like Britney Spears get married and then have it annulled two days later as a lark. All of the biased homophobes here should turn their attention to fixing what's wrong with male/female marriage instead of spouting bigotry on message boards.
Pay back for a senate seat,,,Why does she care,its what the Liberal Democrats in New York want.Now maybe Schumer will be more on her side instead of looking for the jab to give her?
I truely believe that if we had all be more accepting of gays and gay marriage and families, my 17 year old son would not have committed suicide. Thank you too all the lawmakers who have opened your hearts and broken this cycle of needless pain and suffering.
"Marriage" can mean anything you want it to mean in your own Church but it doesn't have to mean the same thing to all Americans!
Marriage is not necessarily a religious institution people... It is recognized by the government first (marriage license) Keep your Bible out of politics. It is not how we run things nor should it ever be. Our forefathers believed in separation of church and state for a reason. No I'm not gay, but they deserve the same rights as everyone else and I'll fight side by side with them to ensure that they get the equality that they deserve. This is no different than saying African-Americans, Mexicans, etc. cannot marry. We are all people and deserve to be treated equally as people.
Of course you approve of it! Anything to make the "people" happy!!!
Excellent. Someone who isn't afraid to admit she believes in Equal Rights and that Americans deserve the freedom to choose who they want to marry.
Imagine that.