“Marriage equality is an issue that affects me personally, and being able to join my Assembly colleagues in the passage of this important legislation cannot sufficiently be described in words. Today is emotional as I join in advancing civil, human rights for my community. The Assembly has taken the lead on this issue before and I am proud that this year I was able to assist in the passage of this equal-rights legislation.

“This legislation will open the door for all same-sex couples to enjoy the rights and protections currently denied to them. This issue is mostly about love and committed relationships, but it also is about providing legal rights to same-sex couples currently enjoyed by opposite-sex couples. Today I stand with you in urging the Senate to pass this bill so we can legally validate our love.”