After saying in a press conference early Sunday that marriage equality would not be on the agenda at Tuesday's emergency session of the embattled New York senate, Governor David Paterson did a quick turnabout and promised that the issue would be brought to a vote, the NYT reports:

"The development came as the governor announced plans to call the Senate to a special session on Tuesday, after trying unsuccessfully for two weeks to broker a compromise in a leadership battle that has deadlocked the chamber. But Mr. Paterson dismayed gay rights groups in his comments at a news conference early Sunday afternoon, when he said same-sex marriage would not be on the special session's agenda. 'It has always been my intention to see same-sex marriage come to the floor,' he said, adding, 'I don't want there to be any confusion'….

"…In the interview Sunday night, Mr. Paterson said he had wanted not wanted to reveal how he would proceed on same-sex marriage so as not to further inflame tensions on the issue. The matter could also complicate delicate negotiations under way on a power-sharing agreement to get the Senate functioning again. One Democrat, Senator Ruben Díaz Sr., is the chamber's most outspoken opponent of same-sex marriage, and his allegiance to the Democratic caucus is seen as tenuous.

The governor said Sunday night that he was dismayed by the outcry from gay rights advocates and decided he needed to clarify his intentions. 'I don't want to do anything to jeopardize it,' he said of the legislation. 'But I think, because of the activity that went on today, I am forced to reveal my true intentions, even though the advocates knew them already.'

He added that he was 'cautious about how this overt expression of wanting marriage equality on the floor is going to affect the outcome.'”

Previously…
NY Governor Paterson Calls Emergency Senate Session Tuesday– ESPA Calls for Marriage Equality Vote [tr]