The New York State Senate's only openly gay lawmaker said his chamber could vote on the proposed same-sex marriage bill later this month — and he's optimistic it will win approval.
Democratic Sen. Tom Duane, who's gay and represents part of New York City, said he's not expecting immediate action on a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in New York when lawmakers return after Labor Day.
But he said a vote is possible before the end of September in a special session called by Gov. David Paterson (D).
"We are not going to bring up marriage on Sept. 10," Duane said. "I am hopeful that we will bring it up when the governor calls us all back into session. He hasn't set that date; it'll probably be in late September."
Duane said he hopes supporters of same-sex marriage will be "popping up the advocacy" to encourage senators to vote for the bill, adding that he strongly believes it will pass if lawmakers are allowed to vote their conscience.
"I remain optimistic that it'll pass this year and it'll pass with bipartisan support," he said.
Approval in the Senate is the last major obstacle in passing same-sex marriage legislation in New York. In May, the New York Assembly passed legislation that would grant marriage rights to gay couples, 89-52. Paterson has pledged to sign the bill if it reaches his desk.
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