During the Task Force's New York Leadership Awards on April 7, the governor spoke via video about his unwavering support for marriage equality. Paterson vowed "to push on until we bring full marriage equality to New York state" and urged "New York's civil rights leaders to recognize that the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities deserve equal rights as well." He concluded with a call to "change the face of New York which will be a catalyst for change in national policy." Watch the video here.

Statement by Rea Carey, Acting Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund

"Governor Paterson vowed he would 'push on until we bring full marriage equality to New York state,' and his directive to state agencies shows he is a man of his word and a true leader when it comes to standing up for all New Yorkers and standing up for full equality.

"We applaud Governor Paterson's actions and look forward to the day when same-sex couples in New York can obtain marriage licenses within their own borders. To that end, we urge the state Senate to step up and pass a marriage equality bill — something the Assembly has already done — and something the governor says he will sign into law."

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund, founded in 1974 as the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Inc., works to build the grassroots political power of the LGBT community to win complete equality. We do this through direct and grassroots lobbying to defeat anti-LGBT ballot initiatives and legislation and pass pro-LGBT legislation and other measures. We also analyze and report on the positions of candidates for public office on issues of importance to the LGBT community. The Task Force Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) non-profit corporation incorporated in New York. Contributions to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund are not tax deductible.

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