Schumer announces support for same-sex marriage

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) has become the highest-ranking US Senator to support full marriage rights for same-sex couples.

Schumer, who previously said he supported civil unions but not marriage, changed his position following a meeting Sunday night in Manhattan with a group of New York state elected officials and Empire State Pride Agenda, the largest LGBT rights group in the state.

The meeting was held at Schumer’s request.

The Senator also said he supports repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, which bars the federal government from offering any recognition of same-sex relationships.

“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,” Schumer said in a statement following the meeting.

“I want to thank Sen. Schumer for his support of marriage equality and the repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act,” said Pride Agenda Executive Director Alan Van Capelle.

“Like a majority of New Yorkers, Sen. Schumer recognizes that only marriage equality provides same sex couples the status, protections and rights afforded to all other Americans. We look forward to working with him to win marriage equality in New York State and around the country.”

Schumer is Vice Chair of the U.S. Senate’s Democratic Conference. To date, he is the highest ranking member of the Senate to endorse marriage equality.

Among other topics discussed at the meeting were continued HIV and Ryan White Care Act funding, appointment of openly LGBT people to the federal bench, special issues facing LGBT youth and seniors, the U.S. Census, and passage of a transgender-inclusive Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA) and hate crimes legislation.

New York’s other senator, Kirsten Gillibrand (D) announced her support for same-sex marriage when her appointment to the Senate, replacing Hillary Clinton, was made by Gov. Paterson.
Legislation to legalize same-sex marriage is expected to be taken up by the New York State Assembly again this year. A bill passed in the last session, but was stonewalled in the state Senate.

A bill to repeal DOMA will be introduced in Congress. Should it pass, President Obama has said he would sign it.