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After a meeting with gay leaders last night, Chuck Schumer released this statement today, regarding gay marriage: "It’s time. Equality is something that has always been a hallmark of America and no group should be deprived of it. New York, which has always been at the forefront on issues of equality, is appropriately poised to take a lead on this issue." Schumer has previously backed civil unions over marriage equality. With his backing now, every statewide representative from New York supports marriage rights for same-sex couples. [NYDN]