Paterson Renews Push For Same-Sex Marriage Recognition

Governor David Paterson announced that he would re-introduce same-sex marriage legislation this month. Paterson told Ithaca TV station WGRZ, "We'll put a bill out and let the people decide one way or the other."

A year ago, Paterson ordered that out-of-state gay marriages be recognized, but previous efforts to pass a gay marriage bill fell short in the State Legislature (the GOP controlled the Senate at the time). However, with the Vermont state legislature's decision allowing gay couples to marry—the fourth state to decide so and the first to do so without court order—the NY Times reports that same-sex marriage advocates believe now is the time to act. Empire State Pride Agenda executive director Alan Van Capelle told the Times, "We’re going to hold the Legislature accountable. The gay community is raising the bar on what we expect from our friends. Our friends are no longer going to be able to say they’re going to support the bill. They’re going to have to say they’ll work to bring the bill to the floor so it will pass."

Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith's spokesman Austin Shafran said, "Senator (Malcolm) Smith has been and continues to be a supporter of marriage equality. Currently, there are not sufficient votes in the Senate to pass the marriage equality bill, which was passed by the Assembly last year. However, Senator Smith has said in the past that it will pass as soon as the votes can be secured, and he is committed to continuing that process."