An Open Letter from Business Leaders on The Importance of Marriage Equality: April 28, 2011

New York has rich resources that position our state for continued success in the 21st century - a leading financial center, strong industry clusters, and renowned educational, research and cultural institutions. But major employers know that the single greatest asset New York has to offer is its ability to attract the best talent from around the world. This is crucial, because the size, quality and diversity of the talent pool are the first criteria for business in determining where to locate jobs.

To remain competitive, New York must continue to contend with other world cities to attract top talent. Increasingly, in an age where talent determines the economic winners, great states and cities must demonstrate a commitment to creating an open, healthy and equitable environment in which to live and work.

This is why it is so important that New York State grant full rights to all of its citizens by passing marriage equality. As other states, cities and countries across the world extend marriage rights regardless of sexual orientation, it will become increasingly difficult to recruit the best talent if New York cannot offer the same benefits and protections.

Many employers have adopted non-discrimination policies and extended domestic partner benefits long before most cities and states passed them into law. As New Yorkers and business leaders, we believe that attracting talent is key to our state's economic future. We strongly urge New York State to enact marriage equality legislation to help maintain our competitive advantage in attracting the best and brightest people the world has to offer and to reaffirm our commitment to both freedom and fairness.

Candace K. Beinecke

Tom A. Bernstein

Lloyd C. Blankfein

Philippe P. Dauman

Daniel L. Doctoroff

Patrick C. Dunican, Jr.

Rochelle B. Lazarus

Martin Lipton

Thomas Glocer

Jonathan N. Grayer

Klaus Kleinfeld

Daniel S. Loeb

John J. Mack

Alan J. Patricof

Ronald O. Perelman

William C. Rudin

Kevin P. Ryan

Paul E. Singer

Jerry I. Speyer

Jes Staley

Stuart Match Suna

Kathryn S. Wylde

Strauss Zelnick

Mortimer B. Zuckerman <comments />