Business Leaders Strongly Urge Albany NY to Pass Gay Marriage
- Capitol in Albany (Azi Paybara/WNYC)
Well-known business leaders in New York sent a letter Thursday night to Governor Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders in support of gay marriage. The plea arrived just as the governor and gay rights advocates prepare a strong push for legislation this spring.
The letter argues that gay marriage is actually good for New York's economy. To compete for the best talent in the world, it reads, the state needs to be "an open, healthy and equitable environment in which to live and work." Otherwise, it stated, New York might lose its edge against other states.
"As other states, cities and countries across the world extend marriage rights regardless of sexual orientation, it will become increasingly difficult to recruit the best talent if New York cannot offer the same benefits and protections," the letter contended."
"Our talent pool will be better and stronger if we're not keeping anybody out on the basis of whether it's race or sexual preference," said Kathy Wylde, the president of the Partnership for New York City, a prominent business group.
Wylde helped coordinate the signature-collection efforts and said leaders were chosen from companies known for having policies supportive of the gay community.
The letter is signed by more than 20 business leaders with star power: Lloyd Blankfein, the CEO of Goldman Sachs; Jerry Speyer of Tishman Speyer Properties; Ron Perelman, chairman of Revlon; John Mack of Morgan Stanley; and Mort Zuckerman, the publisher of the New York Daily News.
"As other states, cities and countries across the world extend marriage rights regardless of sexual orientation, it will become increasingly difficult to recruit the best talent if New York cannot offer the same benefits and protections," the letter contended."
"Our talent pool will be better and stronger if we're not keeping anybody out on the basis of whether it's race or sexual preference," said Kathy Wylde, the president of the Partnership for New York City, a prominent business group.
Wylde helped coordinate the signature-collection efforts and said leaders were chosen from companies known for having policies supportive of the gay community.
The letter is signed by more than 20 business leaders with star power: Lloyd Blankfein, the CEO of Goldman Sachs; Jerry Speyer of Tishman Speyer Properties; Ron Perelman, chairman of Revlon; John Mack of Morgan Stanley; and Mort Zuckerman, the publisher of the New York Daily News.
State Senator Ruben Diaz Senior, an outspoken opponent of gay marriage, said of the letter writers, "I respect their position. I hope they respect mine."
A year and a half ago, a same-sex marriage proposal was defeated in the state senate. This year, advocates are focusing on just a few legislators whom people think are switching their votes.
New York would be the sixth state in the country to legalize gay marriage.
New York would be the sixth state in the country to legalize gay marriage.
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