As expected, New York State Assembly passed a gay marriage bill last night granting the right to same sex couples to marry, 80-63. Now it heads to the State Senate for a final vote. This isn’t the first time at the rodeo for same sex couples, as the Assembly previous passed a bill “allowing” same sex marriage in New York back in 2009, which, among a whole lot of party in-fighting, failed miserably in the Senate.
Back in 2006, New York’s highest court ruled there was no constitutional right to same sex marriage. In 2008, then-Governor Paterson issued a directive requiring New York to recognize same sex marriages performed in other states. (He didn’t see a difference).
This time around, things are looking more encouraging, with two Republicans already announcing they would switch their votes. A big shout out for Senator James S. Alesi, who was the first Repbulican senator to come out in support of the bill, telling reporters “I think I’m doing the right thing, it’s the appropriate thing, and if the public respects that, I’m grateful.” We think you’re doing the right thing too, Senator Alesi, and we respect you 100%. For now.
Next, kudos to Republican Senator Roy McDonald, who when asked why he has switched his vote, replied “Because we have to live together. Your selection of your lifestyle, my selection, our ethnic groups, our religious groups, we’re going to have to make room for everybody.” Trust me, Mr. McDonald. You are right on the money. There is more than enough room for all of us. Now, it’s down to the wire with one more vote needed to finally “legalize” gay marriage in New York.
Hey, even Sean Avery supports gay marriage!
Here’s what you can do to help, call the following and use the talking points included below. When you call, identify yourself on the message, state where you’re from (sorry, non-New Yorkers, it helps if you are a constituent), and give a short message urging each senator to support equal rights in New York:
- Please call Senator Andrew Lanza, one of the four “on the fence” Republicans who may change his vote in the next 24-36 hours. Urge Senator Lanza to “make room for everybody” like his colleague, Senator McDonald. His Staten Island number is (718) 984-4073, and his Albany office number is (518) 455-3215.
- Please call Senator Mark Grisanti, another potential swing vote in the battle for equal rights for all people in New York State to marry any man or woman who they have fallen in love with, no matter what’s between their legs or on their chest. His Buffalo phone number is 716-854-8705, and his Albany number is 518-455-3240.
- Please call Senator Stephen Saland and let him know that you believe that religion and government have no business mixing, and that if government is going to recognize marriage of a man and woman, then they can recognize the marriage of a man and a man, or a woman and woman. You can reach Senator Seland in Poughkeepsie at 845-463-0840, in Hudson at 518- 828-1529, and in Albany at 518-455-2411.
- Please call Senator Betty Little and encourage her to vote in favor of gay marriage equality in New York state. Her phone number is 518-743-0968 in Glens Falls and 518-456-2811 in Albany. Senator Little has indicated her support for civil unions, and hopefully hearing from more New Yorkers can encourage her to change her vote in favor of equality and rights for all
