SDWNY is proud and overjoyed to announce that earlier today, the City of Buffalo Common Council passed same-sex couple domestic partner benefits for all city employees. By a vote of 8-1, common council members passed this needed legislation. The exclusion of opposite sex partners was justified on the grounds that same-sex couples are not legally able to marry.
Stonewall would like to specially thank Council Members David Rivera and Michael LoCurto, for their hard work and dedication in getting this legislation, as well as the domestic partner registry, passed. We also would like to thank our Stonewall members, including but not limited to people such as Kitty Lambert, Bruce Kogan, Carol Speser, Michael James and Paul Morgan, who all had a significant role in lobbying for this legislation and testifying in favor of this before the council. This victory is because of you, our Stonewall Democrats, who made this happen by testifying, calling your council members, writing letters and emails and every thing you did to help make this happen.
What I told The Buffalo News, but which was not quoted following the vote, was the following. While this legislation does not cover opposite-sex couples, this is nonetheless a tremendous civil rights victory which shows the city council will correct an injustice in the law for couples and families whom the state has failed by not allowing marriage rights.
If you are so able, please contact the council members who supported this legislation, and thank them for doing the right thing and extending city employee benefits to all same-sex domestic partnerships!
Stonewall Democrats of Western New York is the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer Democratic voice in western New York. Our mission is to advocate for the LGBTQ community within the WNY area government and the Democratic Party.
Meeting Information
We meet the fourth Tuesday of each month at:
El Museo Gallery 91 Allen Street Buffalo, NY 14202-1320
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