Help make marriage equality a reality in New York

One of our good friends, New York State Assembly member Danny O'Donnell needs some help. Danny was the prime sponsor of the marriage equality bill, which passed in the New York Assembly last year. He secured 85 votes for that bill -- and its passage surprised a lot of people in Albany.

On that historic day in June of 2007, Danny gave an impassioned speech on the Assembly floor, which can be seen here and here. The speech is definitely worth watching -- you'll get a sense of how Danny made this vote happen.

Marriage equality is a real possibility in New York. The state has a governor who supports gay marriage -- and this fall, the Democrats have a very good chance of taking control of the State Senate for the first time in decades. But, there is a hurdle -- and that's where Danny needs our help. He is working to make sure his colleagues who voted for gay marriage can withstand the right wing onslaught and get re-elected. There's nothing worse to slow momentum than the idea that a controversial issue cost a legislator his or her seat. The anti-gay forces are going to try hard to do that. Here's what Danny is asking:

Dear John and Joe,

I need your help. As you know, it has been my privilege since 2003 to serve in the New York State Assembly, fighting for equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender New Yorkers, and advocating for the progressive values that make New York a national leader. I am honored, challenged, amazed, and graced on a daily basis to serve our community in this way, but I need your help to ensure I can continue this vitally important work.

I am extremely proud to be the prime sponsor of the Marriage Equality Act, which would allow New York State to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, and which passed the Assembly last year with an historic 85 votes. This was not only an important moment professionally, but also a deeply emotional experience for me, as the legislation would allow me to marry—and legally protect—my partner of 27 years.

I made a promise to my colleagues who voted “yes” that I would help them if their vote invited retaliation from the right -- and there will be retaliation. Some of them took a great political risk and we need to keep them in office so the Marriage Equality Act can become law. Your support will help me keep that crucial promise and insure that we can make marriage legal in New York.

If you can ask the AMERICAblog community to join me as I continue fighting for equality for all, I'd very much appreciate it. We've made it easy by setting up an ActBlue page. The funds raised will help the campaigns of my colleagues who voted for us on marriage.

I am deeply grateful for your support and encouragement -- and look forward to continuing our vitally important work together.

Very truly yours,


Danny

I know there are a lot of requests for money this year. Every race is important. If you can help in New York, you can help change the landscape for gay marriage in America.

And, a big thanks to Danny for all he's done and will do.