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Read the press release here.

CB12 Urges Congress to Pass Same Sex Bill

By Carla Zanoni | July 8, 2011 7:11pm

UPPER MANHATTAN — As many New Yorkers continue to celebrate the passing of landmark legislation allowing same sex couples to wed in New York State, Community Board 12 is taking the moment to call on the federal government to do the same.

Members of the board voted on the resolution during its general meeting last week, asking New York’s Congressional delegation to "to recognize and work to uphold the civil rights of all Americans and to declare its support of the "Respect for Marriage Act."

That bill would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which currently defines marriage as a legal union between a man and a woman and prohibits federal recognition of same sex marriages made legal by states.

"Community Board 12, Manhattan views the federal ban on marriage equality for gays and lesbians as a denial of civil rights that has caused undeserved and untold emotional pain and suffering and economic losses to thousands of victims," reads the resolution.

The measure passed with unanimous support from board members and elicited cheers.

Although many said they recognized that the declaration is largely symbolic, several members said they were proud to serve on the only board in the city to take a stand on same sex marriage.

"I am so proud of the leadership that CB12 is taking on this issue," board member Harlan Pruden wrote in an email, calling himself CB12’s "only openly gay community board member."

"Go CB12!!" he added.