New York State Senator Greg Ball has announced he will vote “no” on Governor Cuomo’s same-sex marriage equality bill, disappointing literally tens if not hundreds of thousands of Twitter and Facebook fans whom Ball asked exactly six days ago how he should vote. Approximately 99% of the respondents told Senator Ball to for yes on the marriage equality bill, but Tuesday Ball claimed that while results were “a thousand to one” in favor of him supporting the bill, but he also claimed they were coming from outside his district.
While the fate of Governor Cuomo’s same-sex marriage equality bill is uncertain, Republican Senators have been conferencing every day this week to discuss whether or not to bring the bill to the floor for a vote.
Despite Ball’s flirting with America, Ball just published a press release stating,
“Knowing that marriage equality was likely to pass, I thought it important to force the issue of religious protections. Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the distinct opportunity of listening to literally thousands of residents, on both sides of this issue, by holding an undecided stance. I thought it was important to listen to all of my constituents and hold an undecided position until the actual bill language was written and everyone’s voice had been heard. Now that the final text is public, I am proud that I have secured some strong protections for religious institutions and basic protections for religious organizations. The bill still lacks many of the basic religious protections I thought were vital, and for this reason, and as I did in the Assembly, I will be voting ‘no.’â€
Ball clearly had little intention of voting yes, as the video posted on his website right after his Twitter blast made clear.
Ball also is incorrect in stating”the final text is public.” It is not, and, oddly, Ball claimed just hours before that he had not seen the language, as The New Civil Rights Movement reported.
Is it possible Ball merely engaged in a social media stunt to gain attention and campaign contributions? Senator Ball, who hired a camera crew to follow him around the Capitol last week, has a reputation for being a publicity hound.
But that’s all for you to decide.
Of course, if you decided to follow Ball on Twitter, or on Facebook, now would be an excellent time to let him know what you think of his decision (be respectful!) and to unfollow him.
Currently, Ball’s official Facebook page has 5549 “likes,” and his personal Facebook page has 4995 friends. Senator Ball on Twitter currently has 3250 followers.
You can also read the statement on Ball’s website, which right now is open for comments.
It’s important, if you do communicate with the Senator, or any government official, to be respectful and polite. Don’t threaten or harass them. But you have every right to share with them your disappointment.