See photos of families at pride celebrations around New York State

Write a Letter

1. FIND YOUR SENATOR’S ADDRESS

Click here to find it.

2. WRITE THE LETTER

Below is a sample marriage fairness letter. Rewrite it, edit it, or use for inspiration.

Dear Senator,

As your constituent, I make a simple request: show your commitment to all New York families and support the Marriage Fairness bill (S.4401). Lesbian and gay couples deserve the same rights and responsibilities that marriage affords to everyone else. Please support this bill because it is the fair and just thing to do.

[Second Paragraph Options—you do not need to include all or any of these. Feel free to pick and choose the elements that mean the most to you personally.]

[Your personal story or the story of someone you know is the most effective way to convince your senator to support marriage. Also include why you personally believe that legalizing same-sex marriage is so important.]

  • The inability to marry denies same sex couples more than 1,300 rights in New York State. Those rights include the ability to visit a hospitalized partner, obtain employer health care coverage for one’s family, and the authority to make important medical decisions.
  • This bill is about civil marriage (i.e. when a government hands two people a piece of paper saying they are married). It is not about religious marriage. Clergy members, ministers and other religious leaders will not be required to solemnize any marriages.
  • New York State would benefit economically from marriage fairness. According to New York City Comptroller Bill Thompson, New York State’s economy would gain $210 million in the three years immediately following the legalization of marriage for same-sex couples.

Civil unions are just not good enough. Marriage is the only way to ensure the full set of responsibilities and protections are extended to all families. The New Jersey Civil Union Review Commission echoed findings from across the country in citing that the civil union law “creates a second-class status” for lesbian and gay couples.

Thank you for your support and for your time.

Sincerely,

[Name]
[Address]
[Contact information]

3. SEND THE LETTER!