Hey, so maybe you heard the New York State Senate was finally back in order? Sort of? Gov. David Paterson appointed himself a lieutenant governor, and then Democratic defector Sen. Pedro Espada Jr. left the arms of Republicans for his old haunt — but only because they gave him the post of majority leader (in a backdoor kind of way)! It puts the Dems back in the majority, thirty-one days after New York’s elected officials began acting like third graders who won’t share during recess. Great. But: What’s the status of same-sex marriage?
Sorry, pals, but not this time. Though the Senate will continue meeting to pass much-needed legislation (like, uh, budgets and stuff), gay marriage is off the table. Scheduling conflicts or some such.
Sen. Thomas Duane, who’s been leading the marriage effort, clues us in via statement:
The month long stalemate in the Senate has ended. I am pleased that the Democratic Conference remains, as they were elected to be, in the majority. It is now time for the Senate to get back to work.
The June 8th coup was a painful and disturbing moment in the history of the Senate. Members’ emotions are raw, feelings are hurt and trust is lost. It will take time for these wounds to heal. As a result, I expect that the Senate this week will pass only time-sensitive, non-controversial legislation.
As disappointing as it is to admit, it is clear that this week is not the right moment for same-sex marriage legislation. Senators need some time and distance to regroup after this month’s partisan-charged and explosive atmosphere. Before June 8th, Senators from both sides of the aisle committed to me that they would vote for marriage equality. I still believe this to be the case. However, as I have said many times this session, I will not gamble when civil rights are at stake. If this means a short delay in order for marriage to become law it is well worth the wait.
I will not be put off for long. I am 100% committed to passing legislation crucial to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. Our safety and civil rights must be enshrined into law.
During the weeks and months ahead the Senate will be called back to Albany to deal with a range of issues that are extremely important to me and that impact the lives of all New Yorkers. I will fight for and demand, with bipartisan support, that bills important to the LGBT community come to the floor for a vote – and pass.
The June 8th coup may have delayed equality, but it will not stop it.
Undoubtedly, Duane is an ally here. But we’re certainly going to hear from folks who think he’s given up too easily. While Duane says he won’t “gamble when civil rights are at stake,” there’s nothing to prevent him from lobbying his colleagues to vote on civil rights (CIVIL RIGHTS!!!) and, if it doesn’t pass, then decide to bring it up next time around.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
In just a few hours late last night, the Senate managed to pass 135 bills. None of them had anything to do with our rights.
Nelson G.
And one of those bills was to amend the state tax law and amend residency requirements for veterinarians. Because Mr. Ed and Flicka’s needs are more important than ours.
bananaRepublic
The legislative circus in Albany is a classic example of what happens when you elect some minorities to positions of power – they start acting like this is some Latin American Banana Republic.
Bruno
Because Diaz and perhaps even someone else would go to the Republicans if they bring it up. Every single one of these senators should be voted out of office.
Tommy
So, Homosexuals will have to keep sitting at the back of the bus. Rosa Parks, where are you when we need you. We ought to send Diaz back to Puerto Rico and ban him from the upper 48.
NG
@Bruno: Unfortunately, it’s easier said than done. Many of Diaz’s constituents, for example, are living on fumes and just can’t see the forest for the trees. Diaz knows that and exploits that to his advantage.
Jim
@bananaRepublic: racist much?
Jon B
@bananaRepublic: EXCUSE ME? You should really go waterboard yourself. Thank God you’re gay and likely won’t pass on any of your genes to a next generation. Unfortunately adoption is still an option for you, so you could spread your ignorance.
Jon B
When I say “unfortunately” in regard to adoption being legal, I mean it only as it applies to BananaRepublic. Obviously I support our right to adopt. Just wanted to make that a bit more clear.
Kid A
“So I’m a Lebowski, you’re a Lebowski…”
Mr. Cox
Ruben Diaz, Pedro Espada, Hiram Monserrate are big-union mob shills. They are an embarrassment to the latino community.
In fact, I’m willing to bet 90% of their constituents never even heard of them! State politics tend to get overlooked and as a result the union mobs put these crooks in power when in fact the only house they belong in is Sing Sing. Look at them! They do not speak for the Latino community and I’m willing to bet come reelection a number of them will be in for rude awakenings.
BS ALERT
The New York Senate is a joke. Duane is pathetic. We need to vote in new blood and throw all the bums out – Duane included. They have proven they are ABSOLUTELY INCAPABLE OF ACHIEVING ANY OF OUR GOALS. THEY ARE COMPLETE AND TOTAL FAILURES! Throw the bums out. This NewYorker plans on remembering this come election time. I hope everyone else does as well.
BrianZ
“Members’ emotions are raw, feelings are hurt and trust is lost. It will take time for these wounds to heal.”
Are you fucking kidding me?
Tom
The fact that they clearly are not in the least bit chagrined by their own behavior has made me resolve to vote against every single one of them in the next elections. And that includes Pillsbury Duane-boy. I don’t care if their opponents are Klansmen Nazi bastard offspring of the late Jerry Fallwell, I will do whatever I can and contribute whatever time and money I am able to have these jackasses thrown out of office.
Phoenix (The Pinko Commie Atheist Faggot)
@ TOMMY, BANANA REPUBLIC,
You do know that Puerto Rico is an American territory (since 1898) right? You do know that Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens right? They’ve been U.S. citizens since nineteen-fucking-ought-seven (probably longer than your family has been in this country, dumb ass), and you know that right? You do know that it will likely be the 51st state in the Union right? Oh, wait! You don’t, you racist, inbred, knuckle-dragging, ignorant douche wads!
Rob
I was literally about to come into this thread and make a little joke about how to blame black or brown people for this, and read the 2nd post. This place truly is infected by Gay-KKers. It’s ridiculous.