Updated 06/04/2012 04:45 PM
State Senator Duane Will Not Seek Re-Election
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Longtime gay rights advocate Thomas Duane is retiring from the State Senate.
The 57-year-old is the only openly gay and HIV-positive member of the State Senate.
He has represented the 29th District, which covers parts of Chelsea, Greenwich Village, and the East Side, since 1998.
"I worked hard to represent people that lived in my district in Manhattan and I've done it for 14 years. But you know, 14 years is a long time and I just decided that it's time for a new chapter in my life," said Duane.
Before heading to Albany, Duane spent seven years in the City Council.
Duane was instrumental in passing New York's Marriage Equality Act.
He said he will continue to advocate for gay rights after his retirement.