New York Governor David Paterson on Thursday is expected to introduce legislation that will allow same-sex couples to marry in the state. The same bill passed the Democrat-controlled House, but failed to clear the Republican Senate in 2007.
What's changed since the bill fizzled two years ago? Well, the Dems now control both the House and Senate, but only by a narrow margin. Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith is in favor of the bill, but as quoted by the AP, doubts enough votes can be secured in the Senate to claim a clear victory. Us gays, however, tend to take skepticism as a challenge and so does Gov. Patterson who says he's willing to step up.
The governor has a history of balking at the hesitation of state lawmakers to grant equal protections. Back in May of 2008, Gov. Paterson issued a directive, forcing the state to recognize the marriage of same-sex couples wed out of state.
One must wonder in the wake of recent same-sex marriage victories in Iowa, Vermont and DC why New York and California lawmakers can't get it together. We all know what's been happening in California and the opposition promises a good fight here in New York, which is interesting seeming both coastal icons are thought of as progressive beacons bookmarking a middle land of corn and KFC signs. Can we live up to reputation? Post-Prop 8, the bark of gay rights opponents is no longer the loudest. And regardless of location or reputation, unequal protections just isn't acceptable anymore.
Image: Then Senator David A. Paterson speaks during the 2004 Pride Awards Ceremony in New York. © Zack Seckler/Getty Images
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