Initial New York Election Returns Indicate Momentum for Marriage Equality

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11/3/2010

Washington – Initial election returns from New York indicate momentum for moving the ball forward on marriage equality, said the Human Rights Campaign – the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization that committed significant resources to elect pro-equality state senate candidates. While control of the state senate is still in question, leaders of the Republican caucus have already stated a desire to have marriage equality voted on in the coming legislative session.

“Voters clearly responded to candidates who ran on a pro-equality platform with at least three seats switching from marriage equality opponents to supporters,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “The victories of Governor-Elect Cuomo and these new fair-minded State Senators are great news for New Yorkers who value equality.”

Newly elected state senators who support marriage equality – and received significant support from HRC’s Campaign for New York Marriage – include Tony Avella, David Carlucci and Tim Kennedy.

“As the dust settles on the election, the focus will move from the ballot box to the state capitol where HRC along with our allies in New York will push to see a marriage bill passed out of both chambers,” added Solmonese. “We look forward to working with strong marriage equality supporter Governor-Elect Cuomo to end discrimination against same-sex couples in New York once and for all.”

HRC’s commitment to New York elections this year included:

• Contributing more than $145,000 through HRC New York PAC to support pro-equality state Senate candidates.
• Deploying eight staff, including a regional field director and organizer, to New York to support pro-equality Senate candidates and mobilize HRC members throughout the primary and general campaigns. Staff worked to support several Senate candidates, including Tim Kennedy and David Carlucci, and assisted the ground efforts of the New York State Democratic Senate Campaign Committee.
• Launching the Campaign for New York Marriage, which endorsed pro-equality Senate candidates as part of a larger multi-year legislative effort to win marriage equality in New York.
• Sent more than 460,000 election-related action alert e-mails to HRC members and supporters.
• Recruited more than 1,000 volunteers to support pro-equality Senate candidates.
• Placed more than 10,000 phone calls to HRC members in key Senate districts.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.