New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson Jr. issued the following statement today regarding this weekend’s National Equality March in support of marriage equality in Washington D.C.:

“I applaud organizers of the National Equality March and the countless people from across our country who will join forces and join voices in support of marriage equality. As an unwavering supporter of marriage equality, I believe same-sex couples in committed relationships should benefit from the same rights and legal protections as heterosexual couples.

Over the last several decades, our nation has witnessed so much progress to combat bias and discrimination, and level the playing field for so many people who unfortunately have not enjoyed the same protections and freedoms as their neighbors, family members and friends.

The National Equality March represents a unified call to action. Our leaders in Washington, D.C., as well as those in my home state of New York, must not allow these inequities to continue, and should look into their hearts and embrace a change that is long overdue.” 

In 2007, Thompson issued a report, Love Counts: The Economic Benefits of Marriage Equality for New York, which concluded that the legalization of marriage for same-sex partners could yield $142 million in economic benefits to New York City. To view the report, visit www.comptroller.nyc.gov. During his tenure, Thompson additionally has successfully urged nearly 75 of America’s largest companies to prohibit workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

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