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Update: Jeremy Peters and Liz Benjamin are both reporting that a vote won't happen today, but that it isn't delayed permanently. Sen. Espada, the majority leader, said he believes it will follow the Governor's deficit reduction plan next week. This follows what Benjamin's source reported, which is that Senators couldn't go back to voters and say they enacted marriage equality but no deficit reduction plan. I'm told conversations are still ongoing to have a vote later this week or next week. So there is still a likelihood. Keep the calls up.
I don't usually get too personal on you guys, but this is important. This morning, OpenLeft sent out an action blast with that title to the New Yorkers on our list (if you're not signed up for OpenLeft Action, click here to do so)
You read that right. I can't.
No really, I can't. I'm a regular guy from Buffalo and I can't get married. Why?
Because I'm gay.
Today, all that can change. But I need your help.
In our home state of New York, the New York State Senate will go into special session today, and we have an opportunity to win a vote on legislation to enact marriage equality for same-sex couples. This vote could happen as early as TODAY.
Can you take a minute to call your State Senator and demand that he/she vote on, and support, marriage equality?
Here's the deal. Gov. Paterson has called another special session and asked that marriage equality be put on the agenda. The session starts today. The Assembly has previously passed such legislation and Gov. Paterson will sign the bill. New York does not allow for ballot referenda to enact or overturn laws, so there is very little chance this will be repealed like in Maine and California.
The problem is, the State Senators themselves decide what is on the agenda, not Paterson, and what I'm hearing from a number of sources is that pressure needs to be put on the conference leader, Sen. John Sampson, from State Senators. There are a lot of "Yes" vote Democrats who do not necessarily want to see a vote. Tom Duane, the openly gay Senate sponsor, has said for months that he has the votes, and the problem is getting the leadership to take it up. The reason this needs to happen is if it gets put off until 2010, an election year for State Senators, it is even more likely to not come up for a vote. And in 2011, we might have an anti-equality Republican governor on our hands. So this needs to happen now.
So, if you live in New York State and wouldn't mind helping me and lots of other couples get married, I would sure appreciate it. Empire State Pride Agenda has a neat tool that connects you with your State Senator (you literally don't even have to dial). Fill it out here. Ask that he or she (a) ask Sen. Sampson for a vote on marriage equality (b) to vote in favor.
Even if you know your State Senator is in favor of marriage equality, it's important to call and remind him/her to ask for a vote. We could put this one in the bag and make New York State the fifth state to legislatively enact marriage equality. The third-largest state in the union. If you're a New Yorker, take a minute to call.
I promise the wedding photos would be great.
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