Below is a copy of the letter I recently sent to State Senator Bill Stachowski who is alledged to be casting a NO vote for the marriage equality bill in the Senate. If you care to write or call him here is his contact information:

William T. Stachowski's Contact Information

Albany Office
918 Legislative Office Building
Albany, New York 12247
Phone (518) 455-2426 Fax: (518) 426-6851

District Office
2030 Clinton Street
Buffalo, New York 14206
Phone (716) 826-3344 Fax: (716) 823-6372

Email: stachows@senate.state.ny.us

It’s often stated that politicians are 10 years behind the issues that concern the voters they serve. Recent polls within the New York State show that 53% of the voting public are for marriage equality. When voters under the age of 30 are polled the percentage of support increases dramatically. It is widely believed that your vote on this topic will be cast as a no vote.

With almost all the New England states as well as Canada having passed important civil rights laws supporting marriage equality I feel it’s long over do that New York State steps up to the proverbial plate. Marriage Equality will happen in New York State eventually, why suppress the civil rights of the gay public any longer? The Democratic Party, your party, my party is supposed to be the party of civil rights.

I ask that you take a giant leap from paralyzing mediocrity to true leadership on an issue that requires the boldness of a Senate willing to progress civil rights for all New Yorkers. Lest I remind you that gay New Yorkers come in all forms including politicians, EMT’s, fire fighters, police officers, and even teachers. Denying civil rights to these important public servants as well as all the other gay New Yorkers is utterly outrageous in my opinion.

My guess is you entered the Senate to enact change and help progress democratic principles. Well Senator Stachowski, this is your chance, please don’t squander it on politics as usual!

Donald P. Cialone Jr., Partner

Four Q Publishing, LLC./abOUT Magazine
Buffalo, New York

-N.Y. State Accredited Press Agency
-Member National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association (njgja)