photo by www.schumer.senate.gov
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer

Schumer issued a statement, on March 24, which reads, "I have thought long and hard about it. I have always believed that one of the great traits in America is we seek equality and should always strive to achieve it. We may not have been ready in 1996 when the issue first arose in Congress but I believe we are now," according to Associated Press.

Publicizing Schumer's move, ESPA Executive Director Alan Van Capelle said, "I want to thank Senator Schumer for his support of marriage equality and the repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. Like a majority of New Yorkers, Senator Schumer recognizes that only marriage equality provides same sex couples the status, protections and rights afforded to all other Americans. We look forward to working with him to win marriage equality in New York State and around the country." According to ESPA, Schumer, Vice-Chair of the U.S. Senate's Democratic Conference, is the highest ranking Senator to endorse same-sex marriage equality.

On the same day, Schumer released a statement to New York daily newspapers, reading, "It's time. Equality is something that has always been a hallmark of America and no group should be deprived of it. New York, which has always been at the forefront on issues of equality, is appropriately poised to take a lead on this issue."

Before his election to the U.S. Senate, Schumer represented the 9th Congressional District, made up of parts of Brooklyn and Queens, for 18 years, beginning in 1980. As a Congressmember, he had sided with the overwhelming majority of his colleagues in the House of Representatives and, on July 12, 1996, cast a vote in favor of DOMA, which bars federal government recognition of same-sex marriage. When an ad hoc group of dozens of LGBT activists picketed in front of Schumer's home on Prospect Park West on August 10, Schumer confronted us and vociferously defended his vote.