Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul on the Respect for Marriage Act

"Today, our country takes a major step forward in the fight for equality as the Respect for Marriage Act is signed into law. Thanks to the leadership of President Biden, a longtime champion of the LGBTQ+ community, this new bipartisan law will finally repeal the outdated, discriminatory law known as DOMA and ensure the federal government treats all marriages equally.

"New York is proud to be the home of the Stonewall Inn and the birthplace of the modern movement for LGBTQ+ rights. Our nation has reached this historic moment in no small part because of the efforts of New Yorkers: trans activists like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, gay and lesbian leaders like Larry Kramer and Edie Windsor, and allies currently in elected office including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, RFMA Sponsor Representative Jerry Nadler and the bipartisan members of the New York Delegation who supported this law.

"Make no mistake: As your Governor, I'll never stop fighting for the LGBTQ+ community. We'll protect the gains we've made in the struggle for equality and build on them in the years to come. No matter who you are or who you love, you deserve to be treated with dignity and respect in the Empire State."