N.Y. Assembly Passes Marriage Equality Bill

The New York State Assembly on Wednesday, June 15, once again passed a bill that would allow same-sex couples to marry.

The 80-63 vote is the fourth time the Democrat-controlled chamber has passed a marriage equality bill since 2007. "This is an immense step toward achieving true equality for all here in New York," said gay state Assemblymember Daniel O'Donnell [D-Manhattan] after the vote.

Assemblymember Dov Hikind [D-Brooklyn] held a picture of Lady Gaga to highlight his opposition to the measure, but New Yorkers for Marriage applauded O'Donnell, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver [D-Manhattan] and their colleagues who supported the bill.

"We are heartened and gratified by the Assembly's unwavering commitment to marriage equality and will never forget their leadership on this important issue," said the coalition in a statement.

New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn also praised the vote.

"Once again the State Assembly made an important and courageous stand in passing marriage equality legislation that brings us closer than ever to equality for LGBT New Yorkers," she said.

This vote comes one day after Gov. Andrew Cuomo introduced the bill.

The governor had repeatedly said he would not introduce a marriage equality measure until he was sure it had enough votes in the state Senate. The bill currently has 31 confirmed votes in the chamber after state Sens. Carl Kruger [D-Brooklyn], Shirley Huntley [D-Queens], Joseph Addabbo, Jr., [D-Queens], James Alesi [R-Rochester] and Roy McDonald [R-Troy] announced earlier this week that they would support it. It needs 32 votes to pass.

Senate Republicans failed to reach an agreement today that would have allowed the marriage equality bill to come to the floor for a vote. Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos [R-Rockville Centre] will once again discuss the issue on Thursday, June 16.

"We call on the Senate to allow a vote on marriage so that we that we can make history in the Empire State," said New Yorkers for Marriage.

Rea Carey, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, echoed this call. "We eagerly look forward to the Empire State becoming the sixth and largest state to grant this fundamental freedom to loving, committed same-sex couples," she said. "It will mean same-sex couples who live in New York will no longer have to cross state lines to marry. That day will be a great and historic one for New York - already a leader in so many ways."

The current legislative session is scheduled to end on Monday, June 20.