Bottom Left Politics

As reported by Towleroad (which was very consistent in providing detailed information from Albany yesterday as the New York Senate prepared to possibly vote on a marriage equality bill), marriage equality was not given a vote yesterday.  Nor did many of us expect it to get a vote.  The reality is that the support on the Democratic side of the aisle (which ironically was placed in the majority with the financial help of the LGBT community) for this bill is far from certain.  Republican support is just plain unlikely, considering that the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) has pledged to fight any Republican who dares to stand up for LGBT equality.  Currently, only 21 or 22 “yes” votes can be counted on, which is not enough in a 62-member Senate.

But Governor David Paterson, who was the one who placed the bill on the agenda and insisted on a marriage equality vote yesterday, is keeping it lit.  He has placed it on the agenda for the November 16 and 17 special sessions.  Paterson is one of those rare politicians who actually sticks up for what’s right, even if it’s controversial and potentially expensive politically.  He’s not exactly in an easy place right now.  The President of the United States himself has publicly encouraged Paterson not to run for reelection.  That, in spite of a low approval rating and an uncertain future, he is still vigorously fighting for gay and lesbian New Yorkers is commendable.

Marriage equality in New York or no marriage equality in New York, Governor Paterson is an inspiration and a hero for the LGBT community.  President “Fierce Advocate” “Marriage Is Between A Man And A Woman” Obama could learn a lot from him.

As we wait for the November 16 and 17 special sessions in the Senate, it’s important to contact every single New York Senator and urge him or her to stand up for what is right and commit to voting “yes” on marriage equality.  Here is a list of Senators.  It’s also important to contact the Senate leaders and urge them to bring the bill up for a vote.  Some Senate Democrats may remain verbally opposed because they don’t want to have to vote on a marriage equality bill;  if they are forced to vote their conscience, it’s conceivable that many of the “no” votes could turn into “yes” votes.  Click here for the contact information for President Malcolm Smith, here for Majority Leader Pedro Espada, and here for Democratic conference leader John Sampson.

UPDATE:  It appears that Governor Paterson has reached an agreement with Senate leadership that the Senate will debate and vote on marriage equality before the end of 2009.  This is a very positive development, but we still need to keep pressure on the leadership to fulfill its promise.

The blogger, Kristofer Paul, can be reached at bottomleftpolitics@yahoo.com.