The New York State Assembly is expected to once again approve marriage equality legislation tomorrow.
The Senate is the tough sell. The New York Times looks at where various senators stand on the issue: "Senator Vincent L. Leibell, a Republican who represents parts of
Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties, prefers civil unions to
marriage. Still, he acknowledged that 'society changes over time,' and
said that he might not make up his mind until the last minute. Senator
James S. Alesi, a Republican from Rochester who is considered to be
another potential swing vote, has issued only vague statements hinting
that he is open to voting yes. But he also said, 'My public opinion has
not been stated yet, and it probably won’t be for a while.'...Advocates of gay rights say this gives them an opening. 'Republican legislators will be free to vote their conscience on this issue, without pressure,' said Jeff Cook, a legislative adviser for the Log Cabin Republicans. 'And we know if people vote their hearts on this issue, we will win.'"
Senator Tom Duane, who spoke at the reintroduction of the marriage equality legislation in April, hopes New York can pass it before neighboring New Jersey: "I love New Jersey - especially their shore and their tomatoes. But I just want the pride of being next and beating New Jersey.
They have the Giants and the Jets, you know what I mean? It's time to
take it back to the Empire State."
Tom Duane loves NJ's tomatoes, oh mercy.
Posted by: Bruno | May 11, 2009 12:34:51 PM
I thought Senator Duane's comment was funny and sweet. We need more representatives that share his sentiments -- if we want states to grant civil marriages we *do* need "friendly competition"! If New York wants to "win" the race, go at it! That's great.
Posted by: K | May 11, 2009 12:54:25 PM
Bruno, I just saw your time stamp. If only you had posted 5 seconds later! Andy is a science geek, but I am a numerology geek. I love that stuff.
Posted by: K | May 11, 2009 12:56:45 PM
A reminder about New Jersey: All their reps and the gov are up for re-election this fall. So don't expect a marriage vote in the immediate future. However, there is a lame duck session in December--THAT is when marriage movement is likely in N.J.
And: If N.Y. doesn't pass marriage by June 22, it'll be off the table for TWO YEARS--until 2011--because the makeup of the chamber won't change until after the 2010 elections (that is, unless some of the current lawmakers die, switch parties, resign, etc.)
Posted by: TrogMan | May 11, 2009 1:05:18 PM
Call and email New York State Senators NOW and urge them to vote YES on marriage equality. The Senate will be a lot harder to get the majority of votes to pass so concentrate on the Senators.
http://www.senate.state.ny.us/Senatorbio.nsf/Public_MemberEmail?openform
Posted by: Bill | May 11, 2009 1:32:54 PM