Marriage Vote May be Coming to New York

[FreeState]

http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2009/04/09/10557

New York Legislature is a world in which votes are often the least tense or worrisome of the legislative process. Vote counts are made long in advance with back room wrangling determining the outcome before the issue is ever raised.

..snip....

In a radio address yesterday, he (Governor Patersen) called for the gay marriage bill to be brought up for a vote in the Senate, even if it fails.

In an appearance on an Ithaca radio station, Paterson said Wednesday he doubted the measure would pass, but that it still merited a vote on the floor of the Senate.

“We’ll put a bill out and let the people decide one way or the other, which is actually the reform Albany really needs,” Paterson said, referring to the gay marriage bill.

[shadowknows69]

1. It's sad that he's doubtful it would pass in supposedly "liberal" NY

Edit to add: But he's probably right. Sadly there are a lot of proud bigots in this state.

[TheWraith]

6. The state's not the problem, the State Senate is.

The Democrats just took control of it back for the first time since 1965, and only by two votes. Unfortunately, we've got at least three DINOs who threatened to defect to the Republicans if they weren't given huge pay raises and other concessions, including no gay marriage bill. They were forced to back down, but it's well known that we don't have the votes to get it through the chamber.

[galledgoblin]

2. disappointed that I'm missing ESPA's lobby day this year

I've gone to Empire State Pride Agenda's lobby day every year for the past 5 years, but will be out of the area this April 28th. if you have the day off or will be in Albany that day, I strongly encourage you to go, this year has a good chance to see equality codified!

[LostinVA]

3. It's about damned time

[shadowknows69]

4. It has before I believe. Or at least there was one brave Mayor

the Mayor of New Paltz I believe (almost went to school there) and he was actually allowing and performing himself, same sex marrriages. It got shut down by the State Assembly or the Gov somehow. I'm sure you could google the story, it was in 2004 or 2005 IIRC.

[LostinVA]

5. I wouldn 't mind living in New Paltz

I like living in college towns and areas around them, like Charlottesville, VA, or Chapel Hill. Plus, elected officials do things like this!

[mitchtv]

7. I believe he was prosecuted for it

I also believe he is Green party if my memory serves me