Senator Hoylman and Assembly Member Seawright Join Equality NY in Honoring the Life and Legacy of Edie Windsor

State Legislature must act and pass crucial legislation to move Edie’s legacy forward

State Senator Brad Hoyman (D/WFP- Manhattan), Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright (D - 76th AD) and Gabriel Blau of Equality Now joined Judith-Kasen Windsor and LGBTQ activists to introduce a resolution commemorating the outstanding life and legacy of activist Edie Windsor. Edie, a tireless champion and advocate for LGBTQ rights, was the lead plaintiff in the watershed 2013 Supreme Court case United States v. Windsor, which successfully overturned Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act.

Senator Hoylman said: “The arc of justice bends forward only when it is pushed, and few pushed harder than Edie Windsor. Her fight for equal representation under the law irrevocably changed the lives of so many LGBTQ Americans, including my own. As we pause to celebrate her monumental legacy, let’s not forget how much work still must be done in the name of equality. So let’s roll up our sleeves, get to work, and keep on fighting—we owe it to Edie to do so.”

Assembly Member Seawright said: “Edie was, and always will be, an inspiration, icon, and leader for the LGBTQ community, and I am so fortunate to have known her. Her dedication and commitment to fighting for equal rights should seve as a reminder to all of us: when we fight for what is right, no matter how difficult the battle, we will prevail. I try to match her commitment to justice every day in expanding equal rights protections under the law so all New Yorkers can thrive without fear of discrimination. I call on my colleagues to join me in honoring Edie’s legacy, not just with words, but by taking action on important legislation that will move our State forward.”

Judith Kasen Windsor said: “My beloved spouse, Edie Windsor, was a fighter. She held a steadfast belief for trailblazing action in pursuit of justice, equality, and love. This recognition is a demonstration of how one person can claim their stake in life and transform its course for the greater good of mankind. There is no effort, action or person too small to effectuate great things we hold dear. Edie’s tenacity and determination did not juts change my life, it changes the lives of hundreds of thousands in the LGBTQ community who only wanted to exercise their basic human right to love who they love. She was a shining beacon for all in this country who fought so hard to make marriage equality a reality. Edie Windsor’s legacy is a tremendous acknowledgement of how much each and every one of the LGBTQ community and allies meant to her, and how this community, through its activism and engagement, endures.”

Gabriel Blau, Chair of Equality NY said: “Defeating DOMA would be an incredible legacy for anyone, but Edie’s legacy is even more so. Throughout her life she pushed the limits and stood up for LGBTQ people, for youth, and for the dignity of all. She advocated for our LGBTQI youth and for true partnerships among our organizations. She has left an indelible mark on our work and we commit to honoring her legacy through our continued fight for equality and justice for all LGBTQ people. Today that commitment takes the form of a thoughtful and expansive legislative platform, and a network of advocates and organizations that represents all of the many communities and people that make up LGBTQI New Yorkers.”