"With just one additional vote in favor of the legislation today, New York could become the sixth and largest state in the country to legalize same-sex marriage.

"Monday marks the final day of the New York legislative session. As time runs out for the Senate to vote on the measure, supporters and critics are both pounding the streets and the phones in furtherance of their respective causes.

"Thirty-one senators, including two Republicans, have declared their support for the measure thus far. Only one more Republican vote is needed for the measure to pass. The Assembly has already approved it."

Read more here.

I'm optimistic that the vote will pass. What do you think?

-- Nephele

If it passes, it will be curious to see whether the right wingers will try to find an activist judge to overturn it. Seeing how their primary talking point on this topic for the last four years has been something to the effect that judges shouldn't have a say in these matters.

I hope that it passes, but I'm not entirely sure. If it does, I wonder if other states will follow New York's example. Of course that might matter on whether or not what sgath says could happens if it passes where they try to overturn it.

I may be wrong (I often am), but didn't that happen to California? California (or was it just San Francisco? I cannot remember) passed a law for Marriage Equality, allowing many LGBTQI people to marry in California legally then the bill was overturned, making it illegal again. Perhaps the same could happen to New York.

I hope not, though. I would like to see New York become a Marriage Equality state, and be a positive example to other states showing them all that Marriage Equality is simply to right and logical choice, just like abolishing slaving was the right and logical choice (in my opinion).

Still no news on the final vote.

While the Democrats are noted for supporting marriage equality, this Republican made me want to stand up and applaud: 64-year-old New York State Senator Roy McDonald has been pressured by the Conservative Party, anti-gay marriage groups, and religious leaders to vote against marriage equality. The man has had enough.

Here's what he had to say to the press regarding his support of marriage equality (a.k.a. same-gender marriage rights).



News source.

-- Nephele

There's hope for you yanks yet.

Haha! I expect so! But the vote has been delayed again until probably later this week:



News source here.

If this gets passed (and I think it will), then this will be historic. New York is considered a pivotal state for marriage equality legislation.

I hope the State Senate votes on and approves this legislation before the weekend. Because this Sunday is the Pride Parade in Manhattan. I'm going to be there, and if we all have this legislation to celebrate, then it's going to be one really AMAZING day!

-- Nephele

The vote is still dragging on, and here we are at the end of another week. My man and I have written to our State Senator, letting him know that we are for marriage equality. The debates and rallies continue, to the point of exhaustion.

I'm not as optimistic as I was last week. I just wish some people would recognize this as a civil rights issue and not a religious issue.

Will they vote today? Will they decide to discard the vote entirely? We're all waiting here in New York.

Latest news here.

-- Nephele

Hopefully the vote will be cast soon, and in favor of Marriage Equality!

*Fingers Crossed*

Does writing letters to your state senator really work?

I actually sent my state senator an e-mail through his website. I think all representatives have that means to contact them. Whenever I contact my congressman (whom I admire immensely) I always get a return letter.

The previous time that I had written to my state senator (on a different issue), I heard nothing back from him. My state senator is Republican (opposed to marriage equality), and my congressman is Democrat (in favor of marriage equality). I'm not registered for either party, but I have to say I'm not impressed with my Republican senator who never seems to acknowledge messages from his constituents.

-- Nephele

That how our Governor is, Rick Scott. When he was asked what he thought of the people who had disliked him, he said he didn't care what the people thought. Of course, I knew that before he was elected, which is why I refused to vote him.

Sounds like he's in the wrong line of work...or at the very least, doing it in the wrong country.

That's so damn arrogant. Even the representatives who are advocating for marriage equality are taking into account the concerns of those who oppose it, by writing legislation to address the fears of religious institutions.

Not that any of that is really necessary, as no religious institution has EVER been forced to perform a marriage that goes against their sensitivities. Hell, when the Supreme Court struck down the anti-miscegenation laws back in the '60s, no one forced certain churches into marrying interracial couples. And there WERE churches opposed to interracial marriage based on their interpretation of biblical passages.

It's incredible, today, to think that there was a time in our nation's history when it was illegal for people of different races to marry. A generation from now, people are going to be just as astounded that we once denied marriage equality to gay couples.

-- Nephele

I couldn't find the video (which I saw on the news where he stated that it wasn't a popularity contest and he didn't care what the people thought because he was doing his 'job'. I was pissed). The closest I could find is this article

Rick Scott is simply an asshole, but I take pride knowing I didn't vote for him. If NY's senator is anything like Rick Scott, I feel bad for NY. I so hope that the vote passes, though.

The bill just passed in the State Senate! I've been watching the New York State Senate proceedings live on the web, and they just voted YES for marriage equality!!

History has been made tonight!! There are people in my neighborhood shooting off fireworks right now!!!

Marriage equality (same-gender marriage) is a reality in New York State!!!

-- Nephele

That is phenomenal news, Nephele! I'm so happy!!!

YAY!