N.Y. Marriage Vote Imminent?

Hopes for a promised vote on marriage equality in New York were raised Tuesday morning when a Buffalo television station reported that the bill could come to the floor as early as later today. However, by late morning, it appeared that lawmakers and Governor David Paterson remained stuck on the final deficit reduction plan, widely considered a prerequisite to a marriage equality vote.

According to WGZR TV in Buffalo, a spokesperson for Republican state senator Dale Volker said the marriage bill could be voted on Tuesday in the senate.

In response, one gay activist and Democratic insider reached for comment by Advocate.com said there appeared to be an “excellent chance” for a vote on marriage equality later on Tuesday or on Wednesday, given the “fantastic pressure” the legislature is under to tackle the budget issue.
“They are very close on reaching a deal on the deficit reduction plan,” said the insider. “I think the senate strategy would be to immediately bring it up for a vote after the DRP.”

However, according to Elizabeth Benjamin of the New York Daily News, the potential deal on the deficit reduction plan had fallen into “chaos” by Tuesday morning, potentially derailing the marriage equality vote indefinitely.

Marriage advocates in New York maintained their stance of watchful waiting, feeling no more or less on alert than they have since Paterson called the special session of the legislature to begin on November 10.

“I expect they will act quickly after the budget is signed, sealed and delivered,” said Cathy Marino-Thomas, president of the board of Marriage Equality New York. “The question is, when?”