Last June, Governor Cuomo signed into law the Marriage Equality Act, granting critical rights, benefits, and protections to same-sex couples that they were previously deprived of under state law.
Marriage equality went into effect on July 24, 2011 — one year ago yesterday — and in the year since, more than 10,000 same-sex couples were issued marriage licenses in New York State. That means that more than 20,000 people were finally afforded the rights, privileges, benefits, and protections that marriage offers. These include health care and hospital visitation rights, pension benefits, property ownership, inheritance rights, and safeguards against the loss or injury of a spouse.
In addition to reaffirming our state’s progressive spirit, this landmark law has boosted our economy since going into effect. As a direct result of marriage equality, our state has seen a rise in visitors, hotel bookings, and wedding receptions – a Crain’s New York Businessarticle reported yesterday a $259 million economic impact in New York City alone.
New York has always stood proud as a leader in civil rights and equality for all. Today, we can stand prouder knowing that devoted couples all across our state are finally able to enjoy the full protections and benefits of marriage under state law
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