Today In Albany, New York... Either Bigotry Or Justice Will Prevail... Re: Gay Marriage

[WillyT]

Hundreds rally as New York stalls on pivotal gay marriage vote
MICHAEL GORMLEY
New York— The Associated Press
Published Monday, Jun. 20, 2011 2:27PM EDT
Last updated Monday, Jun. 20, 2011 2:29PM EDT

<snip>

undreds of protesters for and against gay marriage in New York chanted, sang and sought out TV cameras Monday while the state Senate again came to no resolution on the issue in a closed-door session that barely touched on the nationally divisive topic.

New York's vote is seen as pivotal in the national question over same-sex marriage, an effort that largely stalled in the same room two years ago when the Senate voted it down. Since then, efforts have failed in New Jersey, Rhode Island and Maryland. Advocates hope a “yes” vote in the country's third most-populous state — home the largest U.S. city — jumpstarts the effort.

Same-sex couples can legally marry in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Washington, D.C.

Two Republican senators said the gay marriage issue that has sharply focused the efforts of opponents and advocates was only briefly discussed in Monday's meeting. Instead, Senate Republican leader Dean Skelos is negotiating with Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo on religious exemptions that could be enough for Republican senators — most of whom oppose gay marriage — to send the issue to a floor where a bipartisan effort could pass it.

The state legislature's other chamber, the Assembly, has already passed the measure. The legislative session was supposed to end Monday, but the negotiations are expected to keep lawmakers in the state capital, Albany, through much of the week.

<snip>

Link: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/americas/hundreds-rally-as-new-york-stalls-on-pivotal-gay-marriage-vote/article2067852/

Count me in for Justice.

:patriot:

:kick:

[tekisui]

1. Any latest update on whether/how long session has been extended?

Any plan for a vote?

[Unvanguard]

4. It will be extended until the negotiations are resolved.

More is at issue than same-sex marriage: there is also a fight about rent regulations and property tax caps.

So, in other words, nobody really knows, but I haven't heard any suggestion that it will drag on later than this week.

[defendandprotect]

5. Trust they will do this while they have the momentum .... but rent control

is a huge issue -- and should be for the entire nation!

[el_bryanto]

2. What do the religions exemptions specify?

Exempting Churches from having to marry those that they don't wish to?

Bryant

[Unvanguard]

3. Latest word is no vote today. Probably Wed. or Thurs. if it happens. n/t

[defendandprotect]

6. kr

[brooklynite]

7. I actually find what's happening encouraging...

...Marriage equality isn't seen as a moral evil by the Republican Senate; its simply another petty political issue to argue about along with property taxes and taxi cab licenses. Progress indeed.

[amborin]

8. K&R

[sabrina 1]

9. K&R

[Rhiannon12866]

10. K&R! I'm in NY and I'm hoping that our state has progressed in two years...

Both (Democratic) senators, Gillibrand (who was my former congresswoman :D ) and Schumer, support same-sex marriage, which is only a good thing... :kick: