Marriage Equality: The Pursuit of Happiness

The United States is more than a country. It's more than George Washington or Barack Obama. It's more than a transcontinental railroad or landing on the moon. The United States is an idea, an idea that has illuminated the world over for more than two centuries. The promise of America is one of equality, the natural law that says we are created equal and entitled to the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Today, for our gay brothers and sisters, that pursuit of happiness is now possible.

Unfortunately, that pursuit is not possible everywhere. It troubles me when I hear politicians advocate for a public referendum on marriage equality. Equality cannot be debated. This isn't an issue where we rely on popular opinion or political expediency. In 2006, when I ran for the State Assembly, I remember a Rabbi called me, and for his congregation's support, he expected me to support a repeal of the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act. I hung up.

Did it cost me votes? Did it cost me the election? I don't care.

One of my proudest days as a Judge was July 24, 2011. When marriage equality became the law of the land across New York, I was honored to perform marriage ceremonies for two same-sex couples on the first day. That I was able to part of history, even in a small way, is something I will never forget.

History will measure us by the lengths by which equality was expanded in our lifetime, rights guaranteed. That it took so long for the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) to be declared unconstitutional is unfortunate. But instead of dwelling on the past, we must look forward to tomorrow. While New York has been leading the nation in guaranteeing equality for all its citizens, 37 states have constitutional amendments and laws codifying discrimination. After we celebrate equality's victory today, tomorrow we need our representatives in Washington to lead the charge to repeal DOMA outright. Celebrate today, organize tomorrow.