Andrew Cuomo on Civil Rights

	Andrew Cuomo on Civil Rights Democratic Governor

Prosecute violent hate as domestic terrorism

This issue of the anti-Semitism, but broader than just anti-Semitism, the hate, the anger, the division is the most frightening issue that keeps me up at night. I hate when government says, 'we offer thoughts and prayers.' Thoughts and prayers. Yeah, it's not your job. You're government. You don't do thoughts and prayers. You do something. I want to propose a domestic terrorism law because these people are domestic terrorists and I want them prosecuted that way. Source: 2020 New York State of the State address , Jan 8, 2020

Implement a default voter registration system

The key to reforming our government is engaging people in the democratic process. We already know government is of the people, by the people, for the people. So why do we make it so difficult for the people to participate? Voter registration should be a presumption, not a hurdle. Let's flip the paradigm and automatically enroll voters when they get a driver's license. They can always opt out. Source: 2016 State of the State speech to New York legislature , Jan 13, 2016

Pay equity for women; stop pregnancy discrimination

Proposal #64: Stand up for New York's women--pass the Women's Equality Act: The Governor remains deeply committed to advancing sweeping legislative reform to overcome discrimination against women. In years past, New York has served as a model for gender equality and fairness. Governor Cuomo's plan will return the State to its rightful place as a national leader on women's equality. The Women's Equality Act will:

Achieve pay equity,
Stop sexual harassment in all workplaces,
Remove barriers to remedying discrimination,
End Family Status Discrimination,
Stop housing discrimination for victims of domestic violence,
Stop source-of-income discrimination,
Protect victims of domestic violence by strengthening order-of-protection laws
Strengthen human trafficking laws
Stop pregnancy discrimination once and for all, and
Protect a woman's freedom of choice.

Source: State of the State address to 2015 New York Legislature , Jan 21, 2015

Women's Equality Act: Shatter the glass ceiling

Let's make history and let's pass a Women's Equality Act in the State of New York. Women's Equality Act would have a ten point agenda.

Shatter the glass ceiling by passing a real equal pay law - treble damages for underpayment or discrimination.
Have zero tolerance for sexual harassment in the workplace period.
Strengthen employment, lending, and credit discrimination laws.
Strengthen human trafficking laws.
End family status discrimination.
Prevent landlords from denying housing to qualified tenants based on the source of funds, Section 8 families.
Stop housing discrimination for victims of domestic violence.
Stop pregnancy discrimination once and for all.
Protect victims of domestic violence by strengthening the Order-of-Protection laws.
Protect a woman's freedom of choice. Enact a Reproductive Health Act because it is her body, it is her choice. Because it's her body, it's her choice.

Source: 2013 State of the State Speech to NY Legislature , Jan 9, 2013

Marriage equality for ALL New Yorkers

For decades, millions of New Yorkers had been treated as second-class citizens by their own government. We ended that injustice. We stopped the discrimination. We made history. We led the nation. We passed marriage equality for ALL New Yorkers and we did it together. With this historic victory, New York is the largest state in the nation to grant same-sex couples the freedom to marry. Source: 2012 New York State of the State Address , Jan 4, 2012

$200M contract support to get 20% MWBE contracts

Last year, I created a Minority- and Women-Owned Business Task Force dedicated to expanding economic opportunities for minority- and women-owned business enterprises ("MWBE"). The MWBE Task Force has aggressively sought ways to expand opportunities for MWBEs. In this economy, obtaining credit is difficult for almost everyone, especially small and minority-and-women-owned businesses. MWBEs historically have not been able to compete with more established companies on large construction projects because they lack credit and capital. The state will address this problem by extending credit that will give MWBE contractors the backing they need to compete. This program will support at least $200 million in contracting for MWBE firms over a period of years. We will hit our target of doubling MWBE participation in state contracting to 20 percent. Source: 2012 New York State of the State Address , Jan 4, 2012

Improved services to 2 million residents with disabilities

We must transform the way we deliver services to our over two million residents with disabilities. We spend more than any other state on services and support provided both by our government and a vast array of nonprofit and private agencies. Yet New York ranks in the bottom quartile among states in serving adults with disabilities. This situation is fiscally irresponsible and morally unacceptable.

Many of the problems our disabled residents encounter are not the result of limited resources, but rooted instead in failures in the organization and management of services. We must develop a system that recognizes the potential of and the barriers faced by each individual we serve. We must focus on quality and prevention, and simplify and streamline access to services.

We must erase stigmas and ensure that the rights of people with disabilities are fully recognized and fully protected. In addition, we must do all we can to ensure the safety of those in our care.

Source: 2012 New York State of the State Address , Jan 4, 2012

Supports same-sex marriage and same rights of marriage

Friday, June 24, 2011 marked a momentous day in the history of our great State, with the passage of the Marriage Equality Act, granting same-sex couples the freedom to marry under the law, and the hundreds of accompanying rights, benefits, and protections that have previously been limited to married couples of the opposite sex. Source: N. Y. 2011 gubernatorial press release "Marriage Equality" , Jul 24, 2011

Equal marriage rights for same-sex couples

Excerpts from legislation: AN ACT to amend the domestic relations law. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Marriage Equality Act". Marriage is a fundamental human right. Same-sex couples should have the same access as others to the protections, responsibilities, rights, obligations, and benefits of civil marriage. Stable family relationships help build a stronger society. For the welfare of the community and in fairness to all New Yorkers, this act formally recognizes otherwise-valid marriages without regard to whether the parties are of the same or different sex. It is the intent of the legislature that the marriages of same-sex and different-sex couples be treated equally in all respects under the law.

Legislative outcome: Bill passed Senate 33-29-0; Bill Passed House 80-63-3; Signed by Governor Cuomo, June 24

Source: New York legislative voting record on A 8354 , Jun 24, 2011

Marriage equality gains 1,000 federal and 700 state rights

The State has been surpassed by many other countries which have legalized same sex marriage including the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Norway, Sweden and Portugal; as well as by many states which have also done so including MA, CT, IA, VT, and NH.

Marriage equality is a question of principle and the State shouldn't discriminate against same-sex couples who wish to get married. Barring marriage equality denies same-sex couples and their families over 1,000 federal and 700 state rights and responsibilities. For instance, employers offer spouses sick leave, bereavement leave, and access to health insurance and pension; and the law provides certain automatic rights to a person's spouse regardless of whether or not a will exists. None of these rights exist automatically for same-sex couples in the absence of marriage.

As Governor, Andrew Cuomo will not stand for such discrimination. He will fight to make sure all couples have equal marriage rights under the law.

Source: 2010 Gubernatorial campaign website, andrewcuomo.com , Nov 2, 2010

Require complying with MWBE reporting requirements

Minority & women-owned businesses ("MWBEs") have come to constitute a large percentage of businesses in NY, but continue to face barriers in getting their fair share of government contracts. Cuomo will ensure that MWBEs have the opportunity to earn their fair share of the State's business, by alleviating the burden of excessive performance bonds for small businesses and certified MWBEs for smaller contracts and will require that all state contracting agencies comply with MWBE reporting requirements. Source: 2010 Gubernatorial campaign website, andrewcuomo.com , Nov 2, 2010

Our housing stock remains largely segregated

During my tenure as HUD secretary, I was responsible for enforcing antidiscrimination laws and was outraged at the continued violations and our nation's apparent complacency. The fact remains that an African America earning $60,000 is more likely to be turned down for a home loan that a white person earing $40,000. Our housing stock remains largely segregated, as do our schools. To compound this problem our enforcement of civil rights, fair housing, and equal employment laws is lax at best.

Democrats should champion racial and ethnic justice and bring a new diligence and drive in enforcing the antidiscrimination laws.

Source: Crossroads, by Andrew Cuomo, p. 77 , Oct 14, 2003

Opposes Amendment to prevent same sex marriage.

Cuomo opposes the CC survey question on banning same-sex marriage

The Christian Coalition voter guide [is] one of the most powerful tools Christians have ever had to impact our society during elections. This simple tool has helped educate tens of millions of citizens across this nation as to where candidates for public office stand on key faith and family issues.

The CC survey summarizes candidate stances on the following topic: "Federal Marriage Amendment to prevent same sex marriage"

Source: Christian Coalition Survey 10-CC-q3 on Aug 11, 2010

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*Other governors on Civil Rights:*			*Andrew Cuomo on other issues:*
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