NY conservatives vow to thwart gay marriage bill

Republicans and conservative Christian pastors are vowing to block any attempt by New York State’s new Democratic majority to pass marriage equality legislation for gay and lesbian couples.

Legislation to allow same-sex marriage was thwarted in the state Senate earlier this year by a GOP majority after passing the Assembly. Last Tuesday’s election, however, saw Democrats take a slim majority in Senate - prompting hope the bill will be passed in 2009. Gov. David Paterson (D) has said he would sign the bill if it is passed.

With only a two seat majority in the Senate, however, any Democratic bid to revive a marriage equality bill could be opposed by socially conservative members of the party.

Four conservative Democrats already are reportedly considering an alliance with the GOP to oppose the bill. One of the four, Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr. (D-Bronx) already has met with the Senate Republican leadership.

“I think there’s at least four or five Democrats who wouldn’t support it,” said the Rev. Duane Motley, founder of New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms, which opposes gay marriage.
Motley said his group represents more than 2,000 evangelical churches and 500 other Christian organizations statewide.

At least one Republican favors gay marriage.