It was just last week New York Gov. David Paterson demanded we "take a stand" against inequality and get the State Senate to pass same-sex marriage legislation. Now, after introducing his own bill, Paterson says he'll defer to Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith.
That's the same Smith who, in order to score the majority leader position, agreed to Sen. Ruben Diaz's concession not to bring a gay marriage bill to the Senate; otherwise, Diaz and two other senators vowed to withhold their much-needed votes for Smith as majority leader.
Paterson maintains it's not necessarily about passing marriage equality legislation (although it is), but rather debunking the unwritten legislature policy of only bringing bills up for a vote when senators know they can pass. Paterson wants a debate on gay marriage. Indeed, even we'd like each senator to declare, on the record, whether they support this legislation … so we know who not to re-elect.
So if Paterson's bill is in Smith's hands, what's its future?
Unless something changed, Smith will bury it. It was only Friday he said he had no intention of bringing the bill up for a vote, because he knew he didn't have the votes.
Smith, who says he fully supports gay marriage — but quite enjoys his position of power — will then have no choice but to secure Republican votes to pass the bill. Except if Smith is a man of his word, he must make good on his promise to the bigoted Sen. Diaz, and keep gay marriage off the docket.
Although if the Democrats were elected officials of their word, they'd be doing everything they can to make good on the promise to legalize same-sex marriage.
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PUT IT ON THE FLOOR
We'll deal with those who vote no.
Do they think they'll be receiving the money they enjoyed in 2008 without introducing this legislation?
Ruben Diaz is a rat. He is a rat who eats with other rats. He reminds me of those organized crime bosses you see in the movie. He makes New York City look like Montgomery, Alabama.
Any chance of a primary challenge against State Senator Diaz?
@Rob: with a winning vote of over 98% at the last election?
Ruben Diaz is not the only democratic state senator standing in the way of gay marriage in New York.
The Albany Project, a website devoted to progressive NY politics, has compiled a list of NY state senators and their most current articulated positions on marriage equality.
http://thealbanyproject.com/di.....e-equality
Rather than wasting time on Ruben Diaz, who will never change his mind, it might actually be useful contact the senators in the maybe column and explain how important marriage equality in New York would be to you personally. Obviously, it helps if you're a constituent, because they really only care about reelection.
Also, Senator James Alesi of Rochester is the first Republican state senator that is apparently close to coming out in favor of marriage equality in New York, and deserves pats on the back.
I am sorry Diaz but I didn't think it was up to you on who to re-elect or not. I was under the impression that it was up to the citizens of this state. You must be confused with some totalitarian style government. I for one will be fighting to re-elect any individual I can vote for who has the balls to stand up for equality for every citizen, not just those people you think are worthy of your presence.