NYS ASSEMBLYMEMBER HARRY BRONSON: TODAY IS A HISTORIC DAY FOR NEW YORK

BRONSON DELIVERS

Assemblymember Harry Bronson addresses thousands of New Yorkers in the Empire State Plaza Convention Center at Equality & Justice Day in Albany, N.Y. on May 9, 2011.  photo:  Ove Overmyer

 Albany, N.Y. -- Here is a press release from the office of Rochester area NYS Assembly member Harry Bronson (D-131) dated July 24, 2011, the first day that same-sex couples could legally marry in New York State.

“Today is a historic day for New York. Today, we recognize the legitimate union of two loving adults without discrimination. Today, all New Yorkers will be able to share the same rights and responsibilities when they enter into a state-sanctioned marriage. Gay and lesbian couples can now publicly declare their love, respect and devotion to each other before their families, friends and communities. With the passage of marriage equality, we will no longer be treated as second class citizens.

Although this issue is mostly about love and committed relationships, it is also about providing legal rights to same-sex couples currently enjoyed by opposite sex couples. For years, many of us have fought to have our love, our commitments and our relationships treated with the respect and dignity opposite sex couples already enjoy. We have fought to assure full equality with the benefits and responsibilities that flow from that equality."

He added, “One of the many new rights included with the passage of marriage equality is the right for same-sex couples to file their state income taxes jointly as well as other state personal income tax implications. These tax implications exemplifies the many areas that left same-sex couples behind, and that is why I fought against this inequity introducing legislation to make sure couples, whether gay or straight, had this option (A.4454). This bill specifically addressed inequalities for same-sex couples married outside of New York because of the reliance on Federal Law for personal income tax purposes. I am pleased that with marriage equality effective on this historic day this tax law inequality can now be addressed administratively through the implementation of the Marriage Equality Act.

I am proud to stand with my family, friends and colleagues, both straight and gay, as we continue to move our state forward. I am honored and privileged to have been part of making this landmark law, marriage equality, a reality that validates our ideals that all people should be treated as equals.

I look forward to continuing to make sure that every New Yorker is able to have equal opportunities and is treated with respect that each of us deserve.”