In the state that’s been host to a slew of homophobic hate crimes recently, and can even hang its head in shame for kicking a gay couple out of a taxi cab – for hugging – Governor Paterson, far more our fierce advocate than Barack Obama, has called for a vote tomorrow on New York’s gay marriage bill. Again.
Granted, the Governor is using this issue to bolster his non-existent approval ratings. But you know what they say, freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose. Well, if Paterson can deliver us some freedom, I’m happy to take it.
Change.org’s Michael A. Jones points out today,
“Oh, and one great thing about New York: they don’t have a referendum process, meaning that anti-gay activists and the Catholic Church can’t put the question of civil rights for gays and lesbians on a ballot. All the more reason why tomorrow’s vote will be historic if it happens.”
Historic, indeed.
The House has already passed its version, so this Senate vote is all that stands in the way of New York offering full marriage equality. But whether or not it will come to the floor for a vote has been in question all year. The Senate majority leader John Sampson, as he and others have said all year, does not want to bring to a vote a bill he’s not sure will pass. A loss, while surely devastating after Maine, will however let us know who’s on our side, and who we need to convince. Or work to replace.
New York Magazine’s Daily Intel last week crunched some numbers and positions and came up a bit empty-handed. So someone will have to be a bit heavy-handed to get the Senate to vote on the bill. It’s time for us to get involved, call our Senators, and move the ball forward.
We need 32 votes. The Times says we may have 25. Get busy.
Empire State Pride Agenda’s website will connect you directly to your senator. Call them now.