''It's time. Equality is something that has always been a hallmark of America and no group should be deprived of it. New York, which has always been at the forefront on issues of equality, is appropriately poised to take a lead on this issue.''

A statement from US Senator Chuck Schumer [D-NY] on the issue of allowing same-sex marriage. Schumer has been viewed primarily as a gay-friendly liberal from a Democratic state, so, up till now, it has been frustrating to some in the gay community that neither he nor his former colleague, Hillary Clinton, have been in support of gay men and lesbians sharing in equal marriage rights. (NY Daily News)