Morning Sweep

The Empire State Pride Agenda announced today its endorsement of Assemblymember José Peralta in the 2010 Democratic Primary Election for State Senate District 13 in Queens. Assemblymember Peralta is challenging Hiram Monserrate, the incumbent State Senator who last week reneged on a stated commitment in a 2008 Pride Agenda candidate questionnaire to support marriage equality legislation and voted "no" instead.

Thanks to a donation from the Episcopal Community Services of Long Island, the Ali Forney Center has expanded to include a new new 16-bed shelter in Astoria, Queens for homeless LGBT youth.

The New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday voted 7-6 to pass the state's marriage equality bill. The full state Senate is expected to vote on the measure this Thursday.

In response to the anti-gay Manhattan Declaration, a statement signed by a group of anti-gay faith leaders, a group of LGBT equality advocates of faith have drafted The Affirmation Declaration, which "calls for pro-LGBT people of faith to sign on as supporters of civil equality."