nycf was active in opposition to same-sex marriage in new york, which was legalized by the marriage equality act in 2011. after the act was passed, nycf set up a "courage fund" to "assist courageous municipal clerks and other people of conscience in new york state who oppose same-sex 'marriage' from harassment, denial of rightful promotion, or unfair termination for invoking new york state law protecting their sincerely-held religious beliefs." after barker town clerk laura fotusky resigned rather than be forced to sign same-sex marriage licenses, nycf pledged to match the $25,000 salary she gave up in resigning.