The New York State Senate today failed to pass legislation that would allow lesbian and gay couples to marry in our state.

Today's Senate vote is painfully disappointing given our state's proud history of promoting fairness and justice.

But this is only a temporary setback in our campaign to protect all New York families. The majority of New Yorkers support fair marriage laws that protect lesbian and gay families, and the day will come when we achieve that goal.

While we are saddened by today's vote, we find some solace that the marriage bill was at last debated on the floor of the New York State Senate, and we applaud the many senators who spoke eloquently and with conviction in standing up for all of New York's families.

And we know that it is just a matter of time until we win.

You and thousands like you have fought hard on this issue. You've lobbied, made phone calls, written emails, and sent faxes. And your hard work will pay off. Time is on our side and we will never stop working until we win.

Check here soon for information about next steps.

Thank you for all that you do,
The Staff of the New York Civil Liberties Union