Live Video: Same-Sex Marriage Debate in State Senate
Passing longstanding legislative roadblocks, the State Senate has finally brought a bill to legalize same-sex marriage to the floor for a debate and vote. Here's live streaming video from the historic debate:
State Senator Pedro Espada Jr. just finished his speech by encouraging the Senate to legalize same-sex marriage: "Let's write this headline for the NY Times, The Post, El Diaro... Let's send forth a message of hope, a drumbeat of rights for all by voting yes for this today." It's unclear if there are enough votes to pass the measure, but bill sponsor State Senator Thomas Duane from Manhattan believes he has enough votes. Last night, for the third time, the Assembly passed their bill legalizing same-sex marriage.
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I am saddened for persons as Charles King, Yetta Kurland, Rosie Mendez and all the other LGBT leaders that fight with integrity. We should have a big demonstration in the streets with NO permits and with BULLHORNS. People make it happen. I be the first one to join the protests.
felixthecat2
FYI, I volunteered against Addabo in Queens because he was one of the worst city council members. Shame on him. At least there was a vote and now we have a target list to work from.
duckumu
once again equality fails at the hands of bigots.
felixthecat2
Sen Parker is speaking well. He calling them out for legislating morality and thinking of their own political survival. He is right, they won't be voted out. And Sen Perkins is speaking strong. You have to give credit to some of the African-American leaders and hispanic leaders, they are very strong vocally. Equality 2009 will reunite us all. p.s. I HATE QUINN!!
felixthecat2
OMG, Monseratte voted no???????? He was in support once for equality. what is going on? Why isn't any blog keeping track of the votes?
duckumu
that's surprising. i thought he was on the record as a yes also. not good.
felixthecat2
Fuck 38 vs 24. Bill is lost. No even as close as I expected it to be. Why did Tom Duane say he had the votes at the meetings?
felixthecat2
He was in the city council, a strong supporter of marriage equality. I don't know what happened to him now.
felixthecat2
Sen Addabo say NO, no surprise. I hate him and McMahon. they are just like joe lieberman, elephants in disguise. blah. It makes me Sick!!!! Vote Addabo OUT!!!!!!
felixthecat2
Sen Adams is back on and he is speaking strong in support. Kudos to him.
felixthecat2
Damn, the debate is closed. I didn't hear from one of those Republicans. What cowards. blah.
felixthecat2
Tom Duane's closing remarks stinks. He isn't a great speaker. Sen Eric Adams spoke so well. great job. Equality 2009. Lets end this year on a good note. Bloomberg and Koch can come out of the closet and get marry.
duckumu
duane is stalling on purpose. there is likely a lot of last minute lobbying happening behind the scenes to get more votes.
felixthecat2
Thanks for info. I enjoyed the impassioned speeches in support of equality. Quite strong and passionate but Duane is killing the buzz. Equality 2009! Oh No, he know just mention Christine Quinn as his best friend. What a buzz kill. Damn, Duane, focus on the civil right liberties and the history of its movement and opposition. C'mon Duane, a gay hip? WTH? Someone save him.
hotstepper
god is readying a fireball from hell to launch at us the instant this bill passes. stay tuned sinners!
famdoc
New York State is two states: NYC and upstate.
NYC supports gay marriage. Upstate supports trailer parks and K-Mart. I wish I could predict a success for the measure, but I have to be pessimistic about the chance of many upstate legislators supporting it.
S.K.
Who says that NYC supports gay marriage? Maybe Manhattan and certain parts of Queens and Brooklyn, but if NYC were to secede from NYS on the topic of gay marriage, SI would secede from NYC.
When CA voted on Prop 8, most Los Angeles residents voted in favor of it. so big city does not always equal gay friendly.
hotstepper
simplistic and overused analysis of NYS. you don't get out much do you?
barryap
Senator Espada began his comments by saying his support for same-sex marriage was not echoed by his constituents. “If this vote was taken in my district today,” he said, “same sex marriage would fail.” He urged senators not to cave to ignorance “or pander to that in our communities.”
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