On May 12, 2009, U.S. Senator Charles Shumer sent a letter to the NY Senate expressing his support for marriage equality and urging their support for the marriage equality bill already passed by the NY Assembly.

In the letter, jointly signed with the NY's Junior US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, he said, "Equal protection under the law has always been a hallmark of the American political and legal system, and in this instance we believe this principle should be extended to all those in our state who seek the civil contract of marriage and the numerous legal rights and protections that come with it."

Over the past three decades in public service, U.S. Senator Charles “Chuck” Ellis Schumer has built a reputation as a leader in finding common-sense solutions to national issues and a tireless fighter for New York.

Chuck was born in Brooklyn, NY on November 23, 1950 Chuck still resides in Brooklyn with his wife, Iris Weinshall, and their daughters Jessica and Alison.