Singer Elton John has hailed New York
Governor Andrew Cuomo for his support of gay marriage.
At Wednesday night's 10th
Annual Enduring Vision gala for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, Sir
Elton thanked Cuomo for “taking a stand in New York and making the
dream of marriage equality a reality in the state.”
Cuomo, who was seated in the audience,
was honored the following day at the Empire State Pride Agenda's 20th
annual Fall Dinner. The lawmaker was presented with the group's
Douglas W. Jones Leadership Award for his “steadfast leadership and
unwavering determination.”
Cuomo has been widely credited with
shepherding the gay marriage law through the New York Senate, which
rejected marriage equality in 2009.
“It's a chance to embrace our New
York supporters, who are very loyal every year. And spend an evening
with them and congratulate them,” Sir Elton told Reuters about the
annual event. “We give … honorary awards … to honor people who
have been with us a long time and have made such a difference.”
Also attending the event were Alec
Baldwin, Jon Bon Jovi and Sarah Ferguson. CNN anchor Anderson Cooper
served as the master of ceremonies.