ALBANY, NY — "As you know, I have long fought against discrimination in all its forms, and I have been a staunch advocate for same-sex marriage. I'm delighted to report that this week, the Assembly passed a bill which would confer to same-sex couples the same legal rights and responsibilities of marriage that are extended to any other married couple. It is now before the Senate, and the Governor has said that he will sign it if it passes both houses. Click below to watch my comments from the floor where I singled out many of the leaders - past and present, those currently fighting and those have left us - who have worked so hard for justice and equality."
From the floor of the Assembly, Hoyt recognized a number of gay and gay friendly people who have worked and supported efforts to achieve equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. Hoyt´s remarks from the floor of the Assembly Chamber included tributes to the late Bill Eaton, Babs Conant and Camile Cox, Madeline Davis and Wendy Smiley, Kitty Lambert, Outcome publisher Tim Moran, Bruce Kogan, Marvin Henchberger, Jim Rolls, the late Dr. James Haynes and Don Licht, Bill Gardner, Javier Bustillos and Tony Chase, Mike Campbell and Doug Ping, Joe Marcella and Michael Slyder, the late Jim Smith, Sue Clements and Kay Patterson, John Morgan, Danny Winter, Camille Hopkins, Cecile Biltekoff, Carol Speaser,Margaret Smith, Ari More,Paul Morgan and Mark Nowak, Dr. Ross Hewitt , Jim Easton, Michael James, Greg Beals, Tom Gleed, Cesar Cabrera, Eddie Martinez, Leah Zicari, Mary Hewitt, Helen Christianson and Gail King, the late Mike Mafeii, Diane Moyar and Bryan Whitley Grassi.
—Staff
