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Loading ...NY gov. calls for gay marriage vote
04.09.2009 1:07pm EDT
(New York City) New York Gov. David Paterson wants the state Senate to vote on gay marriage, even if there currently are not enough votes to pass marriage equality legislation – a position that puts him at odds with his own party’s leadership.
Legislation that would allow same-sex couples to marry in New York State passed the Assembly in 2007, but the Senate, controlled by the GOP at the time, refused to take up the bill.Democrats now control the Senate, but State Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith (D) has said he does not have the votes to pass marriage equality legislation and will not bring the bill to a vote.
Both Smith and Paterson have been outspoken supporters of marriage equality, but while Smith wants a “go slowly” approach, the governor said a vote should be held this session.
Paterson told an Ithaca radio station that he intends to submit a bill to the legislature in advance of the annual lobbying day by Empire Pride Agenda set this year for April 28.
“Why can’t a bill just be on the floor and lose?” Paterson told WHCU-AM, adding “if you have the votes later on to pass it, bring it back.”
Smith later released a statement through a spokesperson calling the governor’s position “a symbolic gesture.”
Wednesday, a new poll was released showing that nearly three-quarters of voters in New York State support recognition of same-sex couples, but are divided on whether that should be marriage or civil unions.
The Quinnipiac University found that 41 percent support gay marriage, while 33 percent favored civil unions. Only 19 percent said same-sex couples should have no legal recognition in the state.
In 2006, the New York Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court, ruled that same-sex couples do not have a constitutional right to marry. It said that the issue, however, could be taken up by the legislature.
Last May, while the legislature dithered over gay marriage, Paterson issued an executive order recognizing the marriages of all New York same-sex couples who were married in areas where they are legal.
It’s about damned time.. Perhaps Patterson should issue an executive order, ordering the state of New York to issue marriage liscenses to same-sex couples and have the expiration of that order be pending until the legislature passes a marriage equality bill.
i think it time in new york state
Bravo to Mr. Paterson for bringing it to a vote while the momentum in this country seems to be shifting towards equal marriage rights for all. SHHH don’t tell, but I think it just might pass…….eeek!:)
It’s great that Gov Patterson is pushing this now,if the other states can have it we should now too,Let’s have gay marriage
I dunno… I think there is wisdom in not bringing it up for a vote if you know you don’t have the votes to pass it. Having it lose would be negative momentum.
I agree with governor Paterson. New York should vote now. Even if we loose, we could always vote again until we reach our goal of marriage equality in this state. Bravo governor!
It is about time someone spoke up for us.
I commend Gov. Paterson for his position and motivation. My only concern is that those politician that are in vulnerable seats may not vote yes if they don’t have confidence the bill will pass. They could be targeted in then next election by the right wing wack-jobs.
We’d then be left with one less potential advocate / supporter and no equal marriage law.
On the other hand, it is way past time for those we support to stick their necks out and support us. I’ve had enough of being ignored.
AT LEAST WE HAVE PATTERSON ON OUR SIDE-HOW ABOUT THE LEGISLATURE? VOTE NOW AND EXPOSE THE HIPPOCRITS AND THE HOMOPHOBES.
Hmmm, I wonder …
If the vote ‘fails’, can a Gvoernor veto the decision? I mean, the Governor of Vermont vetoed legislation passed by the House and by the Senate (separately).
So, they were smart enough to vote together to override the veto.
So complex this thing called politics. I wonder if betterosexuals would allow their freedoms to be voted on so glibly.
Check out the remix of the religious right’s anti-marriage add to run in California…it is a must see!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5HQ2fOUYws&feature=player_embedded
I have mixed feelings and part is for my ignorance on the whole process… however, I would assume that if it is brought to a vote then it will EXPOSE the bigots who are against Equality and that will give voters a chance to oust them….
I also agree with Rodney Moore if this is indeed possible to do, why doesn’t the Governor just issue an executive order!
If the Governor of VT (one man can decide against Equality) can’t one man the Gov. of NY decide for it?
This has all been a long learning process for me and I, like most of you am more resolved to see my (our) Rights achieved!
PS> I still feel that Religion is ultimately what is keeping people down,not just LGBT, but women, etc. all over the world (Proof can be seen daily)
If those who stand in the way of marriage equality are identified by their vote it makes them easier to target for education,…or job replacement
The train has left the station ! !
Well, to answer a few concerns: the governor can override a bill that passes, but cannot take over a bill that fails to win a majority. Not even a Rethug would want to try this, much less the good governor. Yes, it also puts the legislature on record and everyone will know who the obstructionists, the homophobes, are. This is invaluable as long as the public understands the tactics being used; and throughout this year I’ve had more confidence in JQP than in our elected political leaders. Generally people have been supporting good against evil and the Neocons are slithering away to find the darkness they love.
@todd: I agree that those who upset the right-wing cult members may be in danger of losing their seat but there is something inherent in that statement; that they aren’t in danger if they fail to support gay marriage. Why aren’t the activist, PAC and out-of-state influences making their voice heard (remember the morons from utah affected the polls in CA). I think that a no vote would be sad but if everyone nailed the politicians who failed to support gay marriage immediately after the vote was published we might be able to get it passed by the end of session. Just an opinion.