LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April 29, 2014, as LGBT Equality and Justice Day in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize days
that are set aside to increase awareness of movements for equal rights
and social justice in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, The movement for equal rights for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
and Transgender community is one of the defining civil rights issues of
our time; and
WHEREAS, Thanks to the work of advocates from all across the state,
enormous strides have been made towards equality for the LGBT community
in the State of New York in recent years, including the legal recogni-
tion of same-sex marriage, increased protections for LGBT citizens in
the workplace, the right for same-sex couples to adopt children, and
increased funding for initiatives to combat HIV/AIDS; and
WHEREAS, Despite the recent progress made towards equal rights for
LGBT citizens of New York State, there are still significant hurdles to
be crossed on the path to true equality, as LGBT citizens continue to be
targets for harassment, abuse, and discrimination, and in many ways are
still not truly equal under the eyes of the law; and
WHEREAS, Hundreds of citizens from every corner of the state will come
together in Albany on April 29th, 2014 for LGBT Equality and Justice Day
to embody the spirit of this year's theme, "Many Communities, One New
York", and to demonstrate the commitment, strength, and vibrancy of the
LGBT movement in the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Members and allies of the LGBT community will attend work-
shops which will serve to educate citizens about the LGBT movement and
demonstrate ways to advocate for equal rights; and
WHEREAS, Advocates will also rally in front of the State Capitol
Building en masse as the voices of many communities across New York
State blend into one united and piercing call for change and for equal-
ity; and
WHEREAS, LGBT Equality and Justice Day is the largest annual LGBT
advocacy day in the State of New York, and serves as an important
reminder of how far we have come, how crucial it is to secure equal
rights for all of our citizens regardless of sexual orientation or
gender identity, and how far we have to go to truly achieve that dream;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 29, 2014, as LGBT
Equality and Justice Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.