On December 2, 2009, the New York State Senate failed to pass a bill that would have granted gay and lesbian couples the right to marry. This bill had already been passed by the State Assembly, and its failure in the Senate was a major blow to the supporters of marriage equality. We believe that all people should have the right to marry the person they love under the laws of the state. Couples in legally recognized marriages are granted many rights that gay and lesbian couples are not permitted. This is a human rights issue. We believe that the State of New York should pass a law giving gay and lesbians the legal right to marry. Love is love no matter what.