 Only the second openly LGBT member of the New York Legislature, he later became one of six, alongside Assemblymembers Micah Kellner, Daniel O'Donnell, Matthew Titone, Harry Bronson and Deborah Glick.Duane was the lead sponsor of same-sex union legislation in the New York State Senate.Following the failed 2009 Senate vote on the bill, New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn thanked Duane and the State Senate leadership for bringing the bill to a vote and saying "I applaud them for their dogged leadership on this issue."