Same-sex Marriage in New York
In June 2011, Ken Mehlman lobbied Republican members of the New York state legislature to support the legalization of same-sex marriage in New York and reached out to conservative donors and operatives.
Mehlman often spoke with undecided GOP senators, including three of the four who eventually voted in favor of the bill. Mehlman, who gained the support of many gay-rights backers, discussed the political and ideological reasons why lawmakers should vote for the bill. He said, “Letting two adults who love each other get married strengthens and promotes families.” Mehlman told the GOP senators that legalizing same-sex marriage aligned with Republican interests and principles. He also emphasized that polls showed a significant shift toward voter support of same-sex marriage. Four Republican senators voted for the Marriage Equality Act.
Several gay rights leaders and bloggers recognized Mehlman’s role. Mehlman was honored in Out Magazine's 2011's Out100 list partially because of his work on the campaign. Mehlman has been active in similar campaigns in Maryland, New Hampshire and Washington State; helping to raise almost $3 million for these campaigns between his coming out in August 2010 and March 2012. He continues to campaign within the GOP for same-sex marriage, showing many GOP leaders why same-sex marriage "is consistent with Republican and conservative principles."
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