Family Planning Advocates Supports Marriage Equality Legislation

ALBANY, NY (04/16/2009)(readMedia)-- Family Planning Advocates of New York State (FPA) congratulates Gov. Paterson on his introduction today of marriage equality legislation. FPA supports the fundamental right of each individual to make his or her own personal and private decisions about sexuality, relationships and reproduction regardless of the individual's sexual orientation, income, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability status or residence.

"Marriage, at its core, is one of the most personal and private decisions an individual makes," said FPA President and CEO Tracey Brooks. "To deny the right to marriage based on an individual's sexual orientation is a profound violation of one's right to privacy."

This legislation would put an end to inequality and discrimination that pose barriers to the realization of the right to make private decisions about marriage. "We trust individuals to make responsible choices, we support loving families, and we work to ensure that those families are strong and secure," Brooks concluded. "Passage of marriage equality legislation would demonstrate that the state puts its trust in New Yorkers to make their own decisions, as well."

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