Subscribe to Breaking NewsWithers: NY Assembly passes gay marriage legislation
The easy part of the work is over. New York State’s Assembly passed same-sex marriage legislation last night. The vote was 89-52, an improvement over the 85-61 tally in 2007.
“Today’s vote in the Assembly in favor of same-sex civil marriage once again proved that civil rights can not and will not be denied,” New York State senator Tom Duane said in a statement. “The eyes of the state, and indeed the nation, turn to the New York State Senate in the fight for marriage equality,”
No one really expected anything less from the Assembly. The trouble will be with the Senate; its majority leader, Malcolm Smith, isn’t sure the votes are there (one of the reasons why there were a few questions about Governor David Paterson making gay marriage a cornerstone in his agenda). Already the pressure is building upon senators from advocates.
“Your grandchildren will want to know how you voted on this important human rights issue. This is a legacy vote, ” said Empire State Pride Agenda executive director Alan Van Capelle.
It might be a “legacy vote” but there are a number of pols who know what side they are on. And they are not into letting you and your man play Kool and the Gang at your reception.
The first ever Gay and Lesbian Community Center is on Hudson Street in Albany. It is the oldest in the country. I’m staying hopeful. Stranger things have happened. I actually had sex on the stairs in this picture in my late teens. I know, too much information.
I agree with you mdc.philly, I would have thought that NY would have been leading the way. Iowa? Maine? Not to say I’m not grateful and hopeful that PA will get there soon but I would have thought that NY would be the one to set fire to the nation.
I also agree though, important ruling.
I would have thought: NY would have been the first to pass such a law. NY no longer has the important’s it once held. To delay this ruling for such a long time, really is not as news worthy as it would have been – if they were the first to pass Gay marriage’s.
Regardless: still a important ruling.