New York Senate May Vote On Marriage Equality Today

Or not. Today the New York Senate is in a special session called by Governor David Paterson, who has called for the body to vote on a marriage equality bill (which has already passed the State Assembly) and pass it.

Paterson himself said that he was inspired by the Maine vote last week, which rescinded marriage rights for same-sex couples in that state.

"I think that the public referendum in Maine should inspire us that there's more work to do, more persuasion to be made, more understanding to be reached, and more sensitivity to be displayed, and those of us who have been a catalyst for marriage equality have to regroup and work harder," Paterson said, in an interview with Corey Johnson and Andy Towle.

Negotiations are expected to go into the wee hours of the night tonight as Democratic lawmakers decide whether to push for a vote or not. Advocates estimate that they have 25 votes to support marriage equality. They need about six more to ensure that the marriage equality bill can pass.

The Empire State Pride Agenda is also calling for a vote today:

It is time for the New York State Senate to take up the issue of marriage equality. Millions of gay and lesbian New Yorkers and their friends and families expect and deserve a vote on this matter in the State Senate.

This should not be a partisan matter. It should be a vote of conscience that occurs as soon as possible.

There are those who want to inject politics. There are those who want to delay. There are those who say that other issues are more important.

Of course, budget matters are important. But the reality is that there have always been budget problems in Albany and probably always will be.

What we are talking about now is a matter of fundamental human rights. Are gay and lesbians in the 21st Century in the progressive state of New York equal members of society, or are they second-class citizens? That is what is at stake.

Individual senators tell us all the time that they understand this – but now is the time for them to act as if they do. Now is the time for them to stand up and be counted.

All eyes are on Albany. With a true vote of conscience, senators can rectify inequality and injustice with a vote tomorrow.

Joe.My.God has a live video stream of the New York State Senate up at his blog.