Schumer and Gillibrand for N.Y. Marriage Equality

U.S. senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York have joined the Human Rights Campaign's New Yorkers for Marriage Equality video series.

"Some say politicians have a hard time getting to the point," says Schumer, the senior senator known for his aggressive media strategy. "But I don't. So I won't mince words. All New Yorkers should have the freedom to marry the one they love."

Gillibrand, who has embraced equality legislation including "don't ask, don't tell" repeal since taking office in 2009, says, "Every generation in American has stood up against the injustice of their day. This is our moment. This is our fight. We must stand up against the inequality and fight for justice for all."

As the campaign for marriage equality in New York gears up this spring, the videos from the two Democrats draw attention to the fact that every statewide elected official supports marriage equality. Both senators, the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, and comptroller won election in November with the issue in their platforms.

"The two senators from New York join the 'New Yorkers for Marriage Equality Campaign' at a pivotal moment in the fight for equal rights," said HRC president Joe Solmonese in a news release. "The senators' messages of fairness and equality represent the views of their constituents, the fair-minded people of New York. With an increasing number of lawmakers in New York supporting marriage equality, full equality is on the horizon."

The New Yorkers for Marriage Equality series, which has appeared online and on the city's Taxi TV, features prominent New Yorkers to move viewers to lobby their state lawmakers. Other videos in the New Yorkers for Marriage Equality campaign so far have included Barbara Bush, daughter of former president George W. Bush, New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, former mayors Ed Koch and David Dinkins, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Joan Rivers, Whoopi Goldberg, Kyra Sedgwick and Kevin Bacon, Russell Simmons, Julianne Moore, Ethan and Ryan Hawke, Moby, Brent Ridge and Josh Kilmer-Purcell, Fran Drescher, Mark and Sunrise Ruffalo, Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, Kenneth Cole, John Slattery, and Daphne Rubin-Vega.