I applaud the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Obergefell V. Hodges. The court re-affirmed that marriage is a fundamental right under the U.S. Constitution and stayed true to the creed of this nation that all persons are equal under the law expressed in the 14TH Amendment. By extending the right to marry regardless of sexual orientation the court has made our nation a more perfect union.

This decision is an historic moment and represents a huge step forward for all Americans. Gay couples will no longer be treated as second class citizens by any state in their desire to exercise the fundamental right to love and marry who they wish. Correctly, the court decision applies to the civil aspects of marriage sanctioned by the state. This case continues to protect the freedom of religion found in the First Amendment.

New York has been a leader in gay rights, enacting its marriage equality law in 2011. Since my deciding vote in the Suffolk County legislature in 1988 that outlawed discrimination against persons based on sexual orientation, to my sponsorship of marriage equality in New York State in 2011, I am proud of my work to establish equal rights under the law for all of our citizens.