New York To Take Up Marriage Equality In Wake Of Maine Vote

11/06/09-by Bridgette P. LaVictoire
On 5 November, Governor David Paterson of New York called for a new session of the New York State Legislature in order to resolve unfinished business that faces the state. Of course, the easiest way to resolve the state’s formidable budget crisis would be to divide the state into New York City and Upstate New York (maybe call the new state Albany), of course, this has been suggested dozens of times in the last century. Among the items on the agenda will be marriage equality.

As many already are aware, Maine’s population recently vetoed marriage equality in the state, instead choosing to hold fast to the traditional Judeo-Greco-Christian view of marriage rather than to allow other traditions to inform what marriage should be.

On the subject of Maine, Thomas K. Duane, the chief sponsor of the marriage equality bill before the Legislature: “Legislators in a representative democracy are not simply beholden to a fearful majority, but have a duty to lead and educate their constituents on the importance of enacting civil rights for all of its citizens.” Duane has stated repeatedly that he has the votes to get the bill passed, including a number of Republicans.

The return of State Representative Dierdre Scozzafava will mean that marriage equality will continue to have some Republican support. Scozzafava was pushed out of the recent race to replace John McHugh, who went on to be the Secretary of the Army. Scozzafava’s stance on marriage equality- she has twice voted for laws extending marriage to LGBT citizens- did not fuel the collapse of her campaign with voters, or so it appears. It was part of what lead to the recruitment of Doug Hoffman, and the Tea Party Faction’s decision to try and force her from the race.

Given the chaos of the New York 23 vote, the fallout regarding any state level race would be hard to fathom. In truth, while many may feel that it would have an impact, the fact that the organizations behind it are more focused upon the national rather than the local and state stages, they are more than likely to stay out of any attempt to oust a local candidate based upon a vote regarding marriage equality.

According to Governor Paterson, the marriage equality bill is unfinished business. There appears to be support for it, including the former State Senate Majority Caucus Leader John Sampson. Governor Paterson noted “Senator Sampson I’ve heard on occasion say that he thinks the bill can pass… My understanding is he’s a supporter.”

The head of the Empire State Pride Agenda noted that he and others are optimistic that this bill will pass. Alan Van Capelle “Based on my conversations with senators, they are planning on being in Albany next week. That said, the governor is still required to issue an extraordinary session calendar. Our community should rest assured we have full commitment from the governor that the marriage equality bill will be on the very first calendar.” Van Capelle noted that trying to instill fear of LGBT citizens in New York does not work quite so well anymore.

New York City was the site of the Stonewall Riots, which was the initial impetus towards the current LGBT Civil Rights Movement.

Duane, ESPA Ready For Prime Time