New York’s first openly gay state assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell publicly professed his love and benefited from the fruit of his labor Sunday. O’Donnell married his partner of more than 30 years, John Banta, ny1.com reports.
New York State Assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell and husband, John Banta
O’Donnell introduced five same-sex marriage bills. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn gathered at Gustavino’s restaurant in Manhattan for Banta and O’Donnell’s nuptials.
“It’s a joyous occasion, two people that love each other are going to get married in the state of New York,” Assemblyman Keith Wright, D-Manhattan, said.
Guests had another collective reaction: it’s about time. Other attendees included openly gay state Sen. Thomas Duane.
“I’m very, very happy for this couple. They fought incredibly hard to make it happen,” Duane said.
No word on whether O’Donnell’s sister, out comedienne and talk show host Rosie O’Donnell, attended. A second high-profile gay marriage is on the horizon. Quinn will marry her partner, corporate lawyer Kim Catullo, this spring.
Photo: Advocate.com
