Chuck Schumer

comes through

CALIFORNIA.... where are you?

Moments ago, the following statement was released:

March 23, 2009—Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) today announced his support for marriage equality for same sex couples and for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The announcement followed a meeting on Sunday evening in Manhattan, initiated by Senator Schumer, with a group of New York LGBT elected officials and leaders of the city's largest LGBT organizations.

"I want to congratulate Sen. Schumer for defending marriage equality and the repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act,” said Ron Zacchi, executive director Marriage Equality New York (MENY). “This is an important move for my family" says Cathy Marino-Thomas, Board President MENY, "Sen. Schumer recognizing that only marriage equality provides my family with the status, protections and rights afforded to all other Americans."

Sen. Schumer is Vice Chair of the U.S. Senate's Democratic Conference and the highest ranking member of the Senate to endorse marriage equality.

Schumer's office confirmed the meeting and also the senior senator's change of heart, issuing the following statement from the Brooklyn Democrat (who is traveling upstate today):

"It’s time. Equality is something that has always been a hallmark of America and no group should be deprived of it. New York, which has always been at the forefront on issues of equality, is appropriately poised to take a lead on this issue."