about MENY
Our History
Photo by Steve Rosen
Founded in 1998, MENY is the oldest organization in the state of New York to advocate full and equal marriage for same-sex couples. A grassroots, not-for-profit organization, MENY and its dedicated volunteers are devoted to ending discrimination in civil marriage through education, awareness and media campaigns, political actions, and coalition building. Marriage Equality New York is also the founding chapter of Marriage Equality USA, the national organization with chapters in California, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Marriage Equality New York is a grass roots, all-volunteer organization with over 3,000 members and supporters.
Past & Present Successes
Marriage Equality New York Got Engaged!
- We are the first organization solely dedicated to the issue of marriage equality for same-sex couples in the state of New York.
- MENY is fortunate to have support from generous individuals and businesses that believe in the right and the freedom for gay and lesbian couples to enter into a civil marriage. We thank them as we continue to change public opinion.
- Some of Marriage Equality New York’s successes, past and present: Rallied Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan to vote “no” on the so-called federal “Defense of Marriage Act” in 1996.
- Educated and convinced former Mayoral candidate Mark Green to support same-sex marriage in 1999. Mr. Green became and remains one of the strongest proponents for marriage rights for same-sex couples.
- Publicly credited with NY State Senator Thomas K. Duane’s introduction of a pro marriage bill in the Senate in January, 2001.
- Credited and continues to have a key role in Assemblymember Richard Gottfried’s introduction of a pro marriage bill in the NY State Assembly.
- Implemented the most comprehensive educational program in the marriage movement.
- Our website and our brochures have been noticed and cited by politicians, legal organizations and other key individuals when educating people on same-sex marriage.
- Honored with the Human Rights Award from the Village Independent Democrats in Manhattan, 2002.
- The first organization (joint effort with Lambda Legal) to institute a comprehensive grass roots marriage and media training program for activists.
- Honored the Netherlands at the NY Consulate for that country’s courage to become the first to offer full marriage rights to same-sex couples, April 2001.
- Realizing the importance of building beyond “the city”, MENY has a New York City, Westchester and Long Island group, and is building another in Rochester.
- Obtained over 10,000 signatures in support of marriage equality for same-sex couples. We are continuing our signature campaign.
- Obtained support of our Marriage Declaration from councilmembers, clergy, community boards, mayors, and other key people in NY State.
- The first and only non-partisan lobby group actively advancing civil marriage rights. Long Island chapter twice honored by “Outlook Long Island” magazine.
- Instituted the first-ever award for those individuals, groups, entertainers and other key people who publicly support marriage equality.
- Held the first-ever NY State and NYC Same-Sex Wedding Expo, garnering solid support from gay and non-gay businesses.
- Holding the first-ever Lobby Day in Albany around family and marriage issues.
- Sponsored and/or participated in countless educational forums, including Marriage Equality New York’s most popular educational event – a forum targeted to the People of Color community.
- Acknowledged for shaping the civil marriage for same-sex couples discussion in New York State in the gay and nongay communities.
- Hold visible events, including an annual tax day action at the Farley Post Office, Manhattan, to bring awareness to unfair tax inequities for same-sex couples.
- Conducted the first same-sex marriage poll of the State Assembly and State Senate with the Empire State Pride Agenda in 1998.
- The first lobbying organization to publicly discuss the issue of civil marriage for same-sex couples with a positive, pro stance.