Local Gay Group to Albany: Thank You

By a 33-29 margin, the state Senate on Friday night approved the Marriage Equality Act, making New York the largest in the nation to allow gay marriage.

The Senate gave its stamp of approval to same sex marriages two years after it rejected it by a wide margin.

Organizations that cater to Long Island's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, like Pride for Youth, called the Act's approval a seismic moment for people who have long been ridiculed and victims of prejudice.

"What a historic day for all New Yorkers that believed in and supported the idea that all New Yorkers regardless of sexual orientation should be entitled to the same rights and privileges," said Pete Carney, the organization's director. "The passage of this Act gives all LGBT New Yorkers the ability to form legally supported partnerships and families, which is a wonderful message to give to LGBT youth that are struggling with finding acceptance in their own families, schools and communities."

Linda Leonard,  the executive director of the Long Island Crisis Center, which operates Pride for Youth, said bias has led to increased suicides, substance abuse and homelessness in the local gay, lesbian and transgendered youth communities.

"The legalization of gay marriage in New York is huge step for New York to take to say to gay and lesbian youth that they are not second-class citizens," she said. "A heartfelt 'thank you' from Long Island Crisis Center to the senators, assemblymen and governor of New York, who stood up and did the right thing."