NY State Senator Tom Duane to Introduce Marriage Equality Bill, Push for Vote Before June
Marriage Equality will soon be back on New York's burner, the NYDN reports:
Sen. Thomas Duane (D-Manhattan, pictured), the Senate's biggest booster of gay marriage, said he'll introduce legislation "within weeks" to legalize same-sex marriage - and will push for a vote before the end of June. "I think everyone is aware that we have to make the lives of New Yorkers better in every way - economically, as well as to provide equality to New York families," Duane said Monday.
Although a similar bill was soundly defeated in the Senate in 2009, Duane and other supporters believe Gov. Cuomo's support can finally tilt the political landscape. Cuomo, whose favorable rating reached a soaring 70% in this week's Siena poll, called for the legalization of gay marriage in his State of the State address earlier this month.
Yesterday, Cuomo's office announced the hiring of Erik Bottcher, a former liaison to the gay community for NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn. The newly created cabinet post of special assistant for community affairs, which Bottcher will fill, is seen as a signal of Cuomo's intentions to push marriage equality in the coming months.
I hope Duane knows what he's doing.
Posted by: Roscoe | Jan 18, 2011 9:22:56 AM
oh boy... here comes the roller-coaster again...
Posted by: daftpunkydavid | Jan 18, 2011 10:39:09 AM
I think the key is flipping the votes of Addabbo and 2 or 3 others. Should be interesting, and possibly a true test of Cuomo's will in the matter and his influence.
Posted by: Bruno | Jan 18, 2011 4:29:36 PM
i don't think it will happen not one repuk voted for it the last time and now that they control the senate i doubt any will jump on board.
Posted by: walter | Jan 18, 2011 7:26:42 PM