Everybody and their mother supports marriage equality in New York?

 by Brandon Miller · 

Everybody and their mother supports marriage equality in New York.

Okay, maybe not. But everyone from actor Ethan Hawke to former First Daughter Barbara Bush have made videos in support of the cause. The Good Wife star Julianna Marguilesand hottie husband Keith Lieberthal are additional celebrities who have filmed spots as part of the Human Rights Campaign's New Yorkers for Marriage Equality Campaign.

But the videos have been focused mainly on celebrities and politicians. Now business leaders are getting in on the campaiging and are stepping up to support same-sex marriage rights in New York. Last Friday, 26 moguls released a signed letter backing marriage equality in the state. Needless to say, Donald Trump wasn't on the list.

Among the signatories are the CEOs of Goldman Sachs, Con Edison and Thompson Reuters. In the letter, the business leaders claim that not allowing same-sex couples to marry in New York is making it harder to find quality workers. Despite this, New York City remains a haven for many LGBT people and that is why marriage equality is so important there.

"As New Yorkers and business leaders, we believe that attracting talent is key to our state's economic future," the letter reads. "We strongly urge New York State to enact marriage equality legislation to help maintain our competitive advantage in attracting the best and brightest people the world has to offer."

The letter is titled, "An open letter from business leaders on the importance of marriage equality." In the note, the leaders talk about how other places around the world are legalizing same-sex marriage. The signatories see New York as becoming a less appealing option when contrasted with places that will offer them the benefits and protections that they seek.

"Increasingly, in an age where talent determines the economic winners, great states and cities must demonstrate a commitment to creating an open, healthy and equitable environment in which to work and live," reads the letter.

A majority of New Yorkers now support same-sex marriage. Do you? If so, sign our petition and make your voice heard.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Brandon Miller is a freelance writer and editor from Toronto, Ontario.