It doesn’t matter if New York’s Senate doesn’t have the votes to pass gay marriage legislation — Gov. David Paterson wants the matter put to a vote anyhow.
Except that’s now how things work in New York’s Senate. Infamous for only putting up bills that will definitely pass, our Democratic-run legislature effectively already sent voters the message that same-sex marriage wouldn’t be on the docket this season.
Last month, we explained at length why — even with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s support, and now Paterson’s — New York’s state senators wouldn’t be touching gay marriage legislation: Because in order for Sen. Malcolm Smith to become majority leader, he and the party had to make concessions to an annoyingly powerful “Gang Of Three,” one of which was backpeddling on their promise to pass marriage equality legislation.
But Paterson doesn’t care: “We’ll put a bill out and let the people decide one way or the other, which is actually the reform Albany really needs,” Paterson said, referring to the gay marriage bill. … Why can’t people just defeat the bill, vote on it? If you have the votes later on to pass it, bring it back.”
How about we take this to the next level?
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Of course, pushing for gays isn’t new to Paterson. He’s championed equal rights and demanded state agencies, while not required to recognize same-sex unions from New York couples, begin recognizing legal same-sex unions performed in other states.
Richard in DC
I think David Patterson has a terrific idea. Bringing the bill to a vote will shine light on the festering pools of bigotry in the NY Senate. I just hope it doesn’t derail the momentum we are gaining nationally.
Cheesehead
Are you for real with this post or is it just flame bait to increase the number of comments/page views?
A better question might be does Queerty matter? I’m thinking no.
atdleft
@Richard in DC: I hope you’re right. Maybe Paterson does have good intentions? But considering how low his approval rating has dropped and how he may not even win the Democratic Primary next year, I’m just a little suspicious. Is Paterson doing this out of the goodness of his hear, out of a desire to not lose to AG Andrew Cuomo next year, or a combination of both?
Adam
Patterson knows he’s a one-term Governor. He has literally been working on equal rights since his first election in 1984, and I think he sees this as his only opportunity for a long-standing legacy in the state, and to a population that he has always fought for.
rogue dandelion
go patterson!
we can mark the gang of 3 with rainbow letter for primary season challenges if they vote against it.
petted
The timing is actually very good for Patterson to be pushing for a vote because all the state senators in NY will be rethinking their positions in light of the events in Iowa and Vermont. Not to mention its bloody stupid to not even to debate topics that don’t seem as if they have the votes to pass after all that’s why they discuss bills before they vote on them.
Ali
Good move from Patterson. It will force people to publicly demonstrate their behind-the-scenes dealings.
Pressure from constituents – I hope it gets amped up – may also change some peoples’ minds.
Monica Roberts
This is so CRAZY!
As Jasmyne Cannick have PROVED (by telling it like it T – I – S ) that gay marriage can only come after we have fixed all of the following:
• When drag shows give more money and appreciation to those who have had the “change” in terms of money and “tips”
• When my long standing need for size 16 pumps comes to fruition