Don't Look For Marriage Equality In NY Anytime Soon

Just when you thought things might change for the better in New York:

Republicans and conservative Christian pastors are vowing to block any attempt by New York State’s new Democratic majority to pass marriage equality legislation for gay and lesbian couples.

Legislation to allow same-sex marriage was thwarted in the state Senate earlier this year by a GOP majority after passing the Assembly. Last Tuesday’s election, however, saw Democrats take a slim majority in Senate - prompting hope the bill will be passed in 2009. Gov. David Paterson (D) has said he would sign the bill if it is passed.

With only a two seat majority in the Senate, however, any Democratic bid to revive a marriage equality bill could be opposed by socially conservative members of the party. Four conservative Democrats already are reportedly considering an alliance with the GOP to oppose the bill. One of the four, Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr. (D-Bronx) already has met with the Senate Republican leadership.

At least one Republican favors gay marriage.

Even the leader of the Senate’s Democratic Caucus, who supports gay marriage, said the bill will likely be on the back burner in 2009. Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-Queens) said his first priority will be the state’s fiscal crisis, followed by job creation upstate.

Still, Alan Van Capelle, executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda, New York’s largest gay rights advocacy group, said it is a question of when, not if, same-sex marriage becomes legal in New York.

I say, bring it up for a vote even if it is going to fail. That way we'll know who to oust in the next election.