I was inspired by New York City's offer of marriage-like ceremonies to couples registering as domestic partners, and the Daily News published my point of view as its lead letter on May 18, 2010. Still disappointed that the New York State Senate voted down the Marriage Equality Act last year, I was very happy that my message and continued support of gay rights was sent with a big headline and photo.

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Re "City says 'I do' to gays," May 17: While creating a marriage-like ceremony for civil unions recognizes the need to celebrate through ritual the joining of two lives, we should not confuse this well-intended idea with true equality for gays who participate. Had this proposal been attempted during the movement for women's suffrage, it would have been akin to giving women the ability to vote, go to the polls on Election Day and pull the levers - in essence, participate in the pageantry of the electoral process - but not permit their votes to actually count. I applaud creative approaches, but the only acceptable solution to this injustice is marriage equality.