The New York State Assembly, the half of the New York State Legislature that has voted in favor of same sex marriage again and again, once more put its brethren in the New York State Senate to shame. While the Senate slept, with visions of gerrymandered districts and zero actual campaign-finance reform worries in their heads, the Assembly minutes ago, yes, into the wee hours of the night, voted in favor of marriage equality 86 to 51.
Because Governor David Paterson has called yet another extraordinary session, both houses of the legislature must vote on a bill, regardless if they had already voted for it, in order for it to be procedurally correct and in order for him to be able to sign it.
The Assembly has stayed up late, done its homework, and passed the bill.
The Senate left tonight promising to return Wednesday morning at 10:00 AM. I urge you to turn on your TVs, if you’re a NY state resident, or visit the Senate’s online live video stream, and make sure they show up for you.