Statement from Senator Duane in Response to Senator Grisanti’s Comments on Marriage Equality

"It is truly sad and unfortunate that Senator Grisanti would publicly
compare Marriage Equality and my right to marry the person I love, with
cats and dogs.

"Lady Gaga appropriately and powerfully used her platform to draw attention
to Senator Grisanti's position on Marriage Equality. I sincerely hope that
Senator Grisanti will apologize for his misstatement, and that when he
meets with and has an open discussion with those Western New Yorkers who
are being denied equal recognition of their families, he will listen with
an open heart and mind.

"I believe that when he hears the stories of the denial of family
recognition imposed on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender New Yorkers,
he will join Lady Gaga and so many other New Yorkers -- in fact, a majority
of New Yorkers -- who support Marriage Equality.

"I also hope that the majority of New York State Senators will recognize my
right to marry the person I love, now."