Some interesting insight from Irene Liu at the Times Union regarding the marriage equality vote in New York. Senators are wrangling with a deficit reduction plan (DRP), after which an agreement has been made to vote on marriage equality.
When asked by New York Times reporter Jeremy Peters about whether the path is clear for a vote in the Senate, Paterson said:
“I've had my legislation ready since
late April. So it won't because of our legislation that we wouldn't get
a vote on marriage equality. What I would say is that it is on the
special session calendar. We are in special session. We have cleared
the roadblocks away. The fact that the marriage equality somehow was
manipulated into being part of the DRP program is something that I
think is reprehensible.I don't think that these issues stand
anywhere but on their own. And that these issues deserve a vote up or
down. So for anyone who has tried to influence my position on the DRP
because they know that I am interested in passing marriage equality, I
think that is a grotesque twist of justice and a rather insensitive way
to lobby here in New York State…Peters asked a follow-up: “It's my understanding that the Senate has
been preparing for a vote. Have you been told that as well?”After a long pause, Paterson asked, “Did the Senate tell you that?”
Peters replied, “Let's just say it's out there in the ether.”
“Well, go back to the ether and find out,” Paterson replied to laughter from the audience.
In other words, nothing unusual going on in the NY Senate.
