Bill Text: NY J00679 | 2021-2022 | General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Mourning the death of Bruce Kogan, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 43-20)
Status: (Passed) 2021-05-04 - ADOPTED [J00679 Detail]
Download: New_York-2021-J00679-Introduced.html
Senate Resolution No. 679 BY: Senator KENNEDY MOURNING the death of Bruce Kogan, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his community WHEREAS, This Legislative Body, representing the people of the State of New York, is moved this day to pay tribute to an eminent man of indomitable faith and dedication whose public service and countless accomplishments will forever stand as a paradigm and inspiration for others; and WHEREAS, The unity of our State and Nation is built upon the compassion of individuals such as Bruce Kogan who upheld the values of community life and who, through their great actions, epitomized the best of humanity; and WHEREAS, Born in Brooklyn, New York, Bruce Kogan spent his life in the service of others and was truly dedicated to making the world a better place; and WHEREAS, In the late 1990s, Bruce Kogan moved to Buffalo, New York, and became a part of Stonewall, the vital Western New York organization which advocates for the local LGBTQ community; and WHEREAS, During his illustrious career at the New York State Crime Victims Board, and his lifetime spent as a steadfast supporter of equality and justice for all communities, especially the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, Bruce Kogan never gave up the fight; and WHEREAS, A former President of SDWNY, Bruce Kogan served the organization in many roles throughout the years; he is forever an essential part of the work of SDNWY and all LGBTQ advocacy in Western New York, across New York State and throughout our Nation; and WHEREAS, With every meeting attended, lobby visit made and heart changed, Bruce Kogan truly helped bring about the monumental progress the LGBTQ community has made in the last decades; and WHEREAS, Whether through LGBTQ youth protections, marriage equality, transgender civil rights, or through every other issue which impacted his community, Bruce Kogan was always there; the lives of every woman, man and child in the local community is better and more equal for his unwavering commitment and life's work to this vital cause; he was was also a dedicated advocate who worked tirelessly to eliminate the "gay panic defense"; and WHEREAS, A central passion of Bruce Kogan's life was his advocacy for LGBTQ crime victims, never stopping in his pursuit of justice on behalf of those who have been victimized; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, among his work on this issue, Bruce Kogan tirelessly fought for justice for Winthrop "Winkie" Bean, writing the play "Call Me Winkie," which has been performed multiple times in Western New York; and WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individual for the benefit of others which Bruce Kogan displayed throughout his life; and WHEREAS, It has always been the objective of this Legislative Body to honor those individuals who have displayed their commitment to the betterment of their communities, and it is the intent of this Legislative Body to inscribe upon its records, this tribute to Bruce Kogan, that future generations may know and appreciate his admirable character, his many benevolent deeds, and the respect and esteem in which he was held by his peers; and WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of compassion, Bruce Kogan leaves behind a legacy which will long endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Bruce Kogan, and to express its deepest condolences to his family; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Bruce Kogan.