New York City Michael Bloomberg will officiate his chief policy adviser’s wedding on July 24, the first day gays can marry in the state.
The New York Times reports that this week, Bloomberg called John Feinblatt, who works for the mayor at City Hall, and invited him for coffee in the office kitchen. Bloomberg said he wasn’t sure if Feinblatt and is partner, Commissioner for Consumer Affairs Jonathan Mintz, planned to get married. But if they did, and if they needed somebody to marry them, the mayor would “really love to.” (Brad Pitt comes forward for marriage equality)
“The mayor and John popped the question,” Mintz told the Times.
Bloomberg has officiated a few high-profile weddings in the past. He married his daughter Emma and her husband, as well as the wedding of former New York City mayor and failed 2008 presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani.
Though he swore off officiating, he’s making an exception for Feinblatt and Mintz because he’s so close to the couple. Plus, Bloomberg has been a staunch advocate for legalizing gay marriage in the state.
“John and Jonathan are two of the smartest and hardest-working people in our administration. This just felt like the best way for me to say thank you,” Bloomberg said.
New York became the sixth and largest state to legalize gay marriage on June 24. The state senate passed the bill by a 33-29 margin with the support of a few key Republicans. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the bill into law just five minutes before midnight.
Thirty days later, on July 24, Feinblatt and Mintz will marry at Gracie Mansion, the official residence of New York City’s mayor.