12/01/2009
New York Senate May Vote on Marriage Equality Tonight
Things appear to be moving in Albany. The Senate appears to be on the brink of a vote on marriage equality...they reconvene at 9 pm.
WKBW Buffalo reports: "After a four-week special session, lawmakers are expected to vote Tuesday night on a bill to close a portion New York's $3.2 billion budget deficit.
The Senate is scheduled to reconvene at 9 p.m., aides said.
On the agenda: the deficit reduction plan and same-sex marriage.
"We'll vote on gay marriage if there's enough time," said one Senate staffer who asked not to be identified."
CBS2: "Gov. David Paterson said the way was now clear for a state Senate vote on legalizing same-sex marriage in New York. Some key legislators have tied the long awaited vote to passing a deficit reduction plan."
NYDN: "Here's the strongest sign yet that the gay marriage bill will indeed come to the Senate floor for a vote before the day is over: Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr., the measure's most outspoken opponent, has retired to his Albany office to pray."
NY Observer: Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell's partner is on his way to Albany.
Time-Union: "Senate sources say a debate and vote on gay marriage is still likely to follow close upon the heels of passage of the $2.8 billion deficit package currently being hammered into vote-ready form. Another sign: As Liz B reports, Ruben Diaz is praying (and calling around). The question is whether that passage comes after dinner, after midnight, or after breakfast tomorrow. There are a number of possible timelines..."
I hear that NYC Council Speaker is on her way to Albany as well in anticipation of a vote.
More news as it comes...
Posted 5:31 PM EST by Andy Towle in Gay Marriage, New York, News | Permalink
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Tell that tool, Diaz, to just stay in his office.
Posted by: ichabod | Dec 1, 2009 5:41:36 PM
I have a feeling it isn't going to pass
Posted by: Jack | Dec 1, 2009 6:06:49 PM
If they vote and it fails today, I think it would sting more because it's World AIDS Day. I'm not expecting it to pass, but I really hope it does for the people of New York.
Posted by: Tyler | Dec 1, 2009 6:06:54 PM
Tyler - you are so right. Being that it is World AIDS Day, if this doesn't pass, we can only imagine how much it will hurt. How can some of these guys look at themselves in the mirror afterwards if they vote against it?
Because of that, I think it will pass, if it is voted on. Even if it's just pure guilt, guilt is valid reason to vote for equal rights as any other reason. as long as its passed.
Posted by: Bloom | Dec 1, 2009 8:28:10 PM
No sense in trying to predict what this corrupt group of people will or won't do. I hope there's a vote, even if it doesn't pass. We at least need to know where they stand. If it doesn't pass, we'll try again and again until it does.
Posted by: Bruno | Dec 1, 2009 8:39:20 PM
We need to know who opposes this bill with a vote on the floor.
The reason this has been such a mystery is because so many Senators are "undecided" or spineless on this issue.
State Senators are elected every 2 years, and we are ready to throw them out of office and have this pass in the next session.
They know the heat they will face - especially the Dems in the city who oppose SSM - and we are organized, vocal and ready to work.
They must vote. We need to get more people involved and call them!
Posted by: leftypower | Dec 1, 2009 11:12:02 PM