Daniel J. O'Donnell
Daniel O'Donnell | |
|---|---|
O'Donnell in 2017 | |
| Member of the New York State Assembly from the 69th district | |
| In office January 3, 2003 – December 31, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Edward C. Sullivan |
| Succeeded by | Micah Lasher |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 17, 1960 Queens, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
John Banta (m. 2012) |
| Relatives | Rosie O'Donnell (sister) |
| Education | George Washington University (BA) City University of New York, Queens (JD) |
| Signature | |
| Website | Official website |
Daniel J. O'Donnell (born November 17, 1960) is an American politician from the state of New York. A Democrat, he was the first openly gay man elected to the New York State Assembly in 2002. During his tenure as an Assembly Member, O'Donnell represented the 69th district in Manhattan, which comprises the neighborhoods of Manhattan Valley, Morningside Heights, and portions of the Upper West Side and West Harlem.
Known for his leading role in LGBTQ rights, O'Donnell was the legislative sponsor of the Marriage Equality Act, a law legalizing same-sex marriage, during its successful passage and signature into law on June 24, 2011. In 2010, he ushered in the passage of the anti-bullying Dignity for All Students Act. More recently, he led the charge to repeal 50-A and the gay panic defense and authored legislation making all public, single-occupancy bathrooms gender-neutral.