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New Jersey State Senate To Vote On Gay Marriage
The State Senate failed to vote on a measure legalizing same-sex marriage yesterday, but after a two hour closed door meeting with Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson, Senate President Malcolm Smith, and bill sponsor Thomas Duane, Governor Paterson finally emerged to tell reporters that an up-or-down vote on same-sex marriage will be held "at a date not certain between now and the end of the year." Earlier, when pressed about the bill's chances in the Senate, Paterson said, "I can't explain the dynamic of the Senate, because nobody can."
As lawmakers met to try (and fail) to close the budget gap, same-sex marriage advocates protested outside the senate chambers. NY1 has a funny clip of an irate protester excoriating same-sex marriage opponent Senator Ruben Diaz Sr., shouting, "If you want to be a reverend then go back to the church, if you want to be a senator then you stand up for the rights and laws of this country." Then the camera pans left to reveal Diaz Sr. standing right next to the protester, explaining, "No, no, no. If I want to be a senator, let the people in my district decide, not you."
Senator Duane, the openly gay sponsor of the bill, told reporters he's still optimistic that it will be brought to the Senate floor. And Paterson compared the process to the Emancipation Proclamation, which was signed five years after the Dred Scott decision defined slaves as property: "I implored [the Senate] that I would rather see an up or down vote than no action at all. In my opinion, historically, I think we have lost touch with how movements for equality are reached. There are a lot of ups and downs... My view is that an up or down—a record on where the senators in this state stand—is more important."
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At least Sen Diaz Sr states his vote on record and his reasoning while the other senators are cowering and avoiding the issue. People need to know how their senator will vote on the record. There are 62 members of the house. Diaz can't stop it alone. Why do the activists focus so much on Diaz? They can't change his mind.
Everyone hates Diaz so much because he's the most outspoken opponent, and he's a democrat. The problem is he almost can stop it alone. Democrats have a 32-30 majority, so it takes all 32 dem votes to override the republicans. If Diaz, a democrat, votes no, it's locked. What we need are republicans on board, but that ain't easy.
The Republican majority leader Skelos stated he won't ask his party to block vote as they do with all the other issue and that they can vote as they wish. Out of 30 Republicans, can't they find a few supporters?
We're all talking about the people in Albany, right? If something seems easy, they'll find a way to fuck it up.
I think they're scared. I think they all come up for re-election next year. Skelos probably knows he doesn't have to ask.
I saw Diaz on the news last night wanting to know "why activists can't leave him alone," and "let him have his religion." I'd like to know why he can't leave me alone and let me have my family.
Just as Malcolm Smith, Sampson will disappoint. He won't vote yes for marriage equality . At least Gov. Paterson is pushing for a vote so the voters will know how their senators REALLY feel about marriage equality.
Ah, charming. Hating on Diaz won't change anything unless there is a vote on the record-- Duane is right about that. So lets make it happen Paterson. Seriously, this one thing could flip your image. So do it if only for selfish reasons.
So, then, what's the NY-state equivalent process by which the Mormons, fundie Xtians, and bigots can then vote to take any marriage rights away from the gay minority? I assume they'd like to get a head start on raising money and filming commercials filled with cute moppets who will be forced to learn about the queee-ahhs, and I know I'd like to get a start on figuring out if there is a word in German for "that mix of unsurprise and disappointment when hopes you knew you were wrong to have are smashed in the way that you'd come to expect."