Paterson To Introduce Gay Marriage Bill Today

Governor David Paterson is expected to introduce same-sex marriage legislation today. On Tuesday, when word leaked of his plans, he said, “The timing was always right. It’s just who is willing to take that step. And I am.” (Of course, the NY Times notes that the "move allows him to lead on an issue that could prove defining in his governorship, which has so far been marked by political missteps and the crumbling economy.") But don't expect Albany to do anything about the bill anytime soon—though the Assembly has previously passed same-sex marriage legislation, it will probably be stalled in the State Senate. State Senator Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) is convening a meeting to block the bill. Diaz also thinks it's "disrespectful" to introduce such legislation when Archbishop Dolan is being installed this week.

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By Jen Chung in News on April 16, 2009 9:35 AM

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Think2wice

Patterson's final "fuck you" to his colleagues so he can have the opponents labeled as homophobes and the all the political consequences that come with.

Sweet.

FJF

First Ruben's gang of three bullshit in the senate, now this. Someone please send this guy packing. And am I the only one who thinks this seat was wasted on Paterson?

Brooklynbobby

Patterson is just pushing this legislation because the opinion polls are all against him and he's trying to bring the numbers up. He doesn't really care one way or the other about equal rights. It seems kind of ridiculous to me that the world's most cosmopolitan city is so behind on the times. Even Iowa is ahead of us.