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Gay Marriage Wins Chuck Schumer's Support
By
John Del Signore
Published Mar 24, 2009
Modified Mar 24, 2009
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By
John Del Signore
Published Mar 24, 2009
Modified Mar 24, 2009
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At a dinner event last night with gay activists, Senator Charles Schumer—a longtime supporter of civil unions, but not gay marriage—officially endorsed gay marriage and promised to work to repeal the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which was signed by Bill Clinton in 1996. In a statement released after the event, Schumer said, "It's time. Equality is something that has always been a hallmark of America and no group should be deprived of it."
Gay rights advocates are now hoping Schumer will use his considerable clout to win over lawmakers in the State Senate and make gay marriage legal in New York. Describing Schumer's impact on undecided politicians, Alan Van Capelle of the Empire State Pride Agenda tells NY1, "Knowing that Senator Schumer will campaign for them if they feel like they are in a difficult spot for reelection, I think matter." And openly gay City Council Speaker Christine Quinn says, "For him to stand up and say that he's going to make sure everyone is fully equal under the law is really remarkable. And political support like that, you really can't even measure it, it is so significant."
One of Schumer's former aides speculates that the senator's policy reversal isn't so much a personal epiphany as it is an acknowledgment of what is now politically acceptable and expected of Democratic leaders. Speaking off the record to Politicker, the aide explains, "If you look at Chuck as a senator, there aren't many issues where he gets way out in front on social issues. His stance is usually within the Democratic orthodoxy."
Tagged
chuck schumer
gay marriage
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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