Leave a Comment Johan
Gov. Cuomo “cautiously optimistic” that marriage equality bill will pass
June 22, 2011
By Adam Bink
Speaking to reporters late last night (h/t Towleroad):
“I’m cautiously optimistic when it comes for a vote that it’s going to pass,” Cuomo told reporters tonight, outside his office on the second floor.
Echoing the message Mayor Michael Bloomberg brought to Albany last Monday, Cuomo said: “I believe the people are entitled to a vote and let the elected officials stand up and say yea or nay. I believe that’s how democracy works and I believe the state is entitled to a vote, on this issue.”
I asked if that’s a change in his strategy.
“We early on said we’re not going to advance a bill unless we’re confident that it has a good chance of success,” Cuomo said. “Not that you know it’s going to succeed, because you never know until the vote is actually cast. But we’ve reached the point, the threshold where we believe there was a high likelihood of success, we felt good about the chances of success, so then we moved the bill.”
Let’s keep those calls up!
Sen. Greg Ball (Putnam County) (518) 455-3111
Sen. Joe Griffo (Utica) (518) 455-3334
Sen. Mark Grisanti (Buffalo, Grand Island, Niagara Falls) (518) 455-3240
Sen. Andrew Lanza (Staten Island) (518) 455-3215
Sen. Jack Martins (Nassau County/Garden City) 518-455-3265
Sen. Stephen Saland (Poughkeepsie) 518-455-2411
Update: AP reports progress is being made and no “major obstacles” in sight.
Update 2: Over e-mail, colleagues report there’s a phonebank in NYC tonight, SEIU 1199 HQ, 6- PM, 155 Washington Avenue, if you have some free time tonight.
Filed under: Marriage equality
Having technical problems? E-mail prop8trial AT couragecampaign DOT org for assistance!
200 Comments Leave a Comment
1.
Sagesse | June 22, 2011 at 9:54 am
The silence is deafening.
2.
Ronnie | June 22, 2011 at 10:01 am
Breaking the silence……
Rise Against teamed up with "It Gets Better" for the music video for "Make It Stop (September's Children)"……<3…Ronnie:
[youtube XP4clbHc4Xg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XP4clbHc4Xg youtube]
3.
Sam in SF | June 22, 2011 at 10:03 am
It's killin me waiting… I want to marry my partner of almost 6 years so bad! Cmon already!!!
4.
Alan_Eckert | June 22, 2011 at 10:03 am
I like the video and song, but I wouldn't count i as one of their absolute best.
5.
Ann S. | June 22, 2011 at 10:37 am
Fingers and toes crossed!
6.
loaferguy | June 22, 2011 at 10:38 am
You and me both!
7.
Anthony | June 22, 2011 at 10:42 am
Do we have any idea if today is actually going to be the day, or is it all just conjecture at this point? Was there any legitimacy to the Tweet posted in the earlier thread that said a vote wasn't coming today?
8.
415kathleenk | June 22, 2011 at 10:44 am
me too but not holding my breath:)
9.
Str8Grandmother | June 22, 2011 at 10:45 am
I was incredibly moved by the video and in fact re-posted it on a Evangelical Christian website. It gave me goose bumps Ronnie it really did. I can still picture their faces, the young girl with the gun in her hand, the young black boy on the bridge, the young boy with the noose. The spitting of the milk, the forced kissing in the bathroom, the throwing around of the backpack, it all seemed very real to me. And incredibly incredibly sad…
10.
Kevin | June 22, 2011 at 10:47 am
It is extremely important to keep calls coming in. The opposition is being extremely vocal! There is word in the Twitterverse that a vote will be tomorrow, as evidenced by the fact that openly gay legislators are planning a press conference with their partners.
11.
Sam_Handwich | June 22, 2011 at 10:50 am
AP:
Some members on both sides hope for a very late-night resolution after nearly two weeks of intense vigil. But no schedule has been set as of early Wednesday afternoon.
12.
RAJ | June 22, 2011 at 10:52 am
Still hoping here in California, but at this point there's an element of cruelty to the way this is being strung out.
And I don't even want to think about the mileage NOM will get out of this if the bill is defeated or not brought to a vote.
13.
Sagesse | June 22, 2011 at 10:58 am
Ok. I am now getting duplicate e-mail notifications for this post. Never a dull moment… unless you're watching the NY state Senate.
14.
Desparate4Equality | June 22, 2011 at 11:00 am
Please keep calling Senator Saland of Poughkeepsie! He's a very important undecided senator! Why do these posts keep ignoring him? 518-455-2411 PLEASE INCLUDE HIM IN THE NEXT POST ADAM! Thank you, and please vigorously continue your calls. tell him to please vote yes for economic growth, affirmation of separation of church and state, and most importantly, MARRIAGE EQUALITY!
15.
Str8Grandmother | June 22, 2011 at 11:05 am
I agree with the term "cruelty." In every state it has been like this, the gay Civil Rights Laws get pushed to the very last agenda item.
16.
Adam Bink | June 22, 2011 at 11:05 am
WordPress screwed up and left him off – he's on.
17.
jpmassar | June 22, 2011 at 11:05 am
Tweet:
Blabbeando RT @ErinEBillups: Silver says he has seen chapter amendment on SSM religious protections. Says it's "acceptable."
18.
Sam_Handwich | June 22, 2011 at 11:14 am
I'm curious as to why Sen Jack Martins' name doesn't appear on NOM's list.
19.
Anthony | June 22, 2011 at 11:25 am
I thought the Senate was standing at east until 1:35…it's an hour later and the camera is still panned up. Pass this thing already so that I can enjoy my day off and actually j/o instead of sitting here hitting refresh. Come on already!
20.
nightshayde | June 22, 2011 at 11:29 am
I just tweeted those with listed Twitter accounts. Thanks for the info, Maggie4NoH8!
21.
Sam_Handwich | June 22, 2011 at 11:33 am
Anthony! Bad boy!
22.
Maggie4NoH8 | June 22, 2011 at 11:36 am
LMAO!!!!
At least your honest Anthony!
23.
seth from maryland | June 22, 2011 at 11:41 am
the senate is back in session, you hear the cheers and yelling in the background
24.
Bob | June 22, 2011 at 11:46 am
the tone of that article,, indicates the nature of NOM,,, they actually claim The Catholic Church,, and Bishop Dolan are leading the fight, defending discrimination, in a very war like way pushing their cause,,, and cheering the idea of success,,,,, against a segment of society they have deemed unworthy,,,,,
ending by saying people for marriage equality will find it a very long summer,,,,,, (gloating over the pain they are inflicting) this is so revealing of what lies at the soul of NOM,,,,,,,,
be very clear here this is the Catholic Church at war with us,,,,,,,,,, what can we do to help make NOM extinct,,, like Str8Grandmother says,,,,,, and I add a message to the pope,,,, let my people go,,,,,
perhaps an action on the level of the United Nations,, against the country (The Vatican) applying pressure to stop their human rights infractions against us……..
25.
Sam in SF | June 22, 2011 at 11:59 am
Fingers crossed in CA
26.
RWG | June 22, 2011 at 12:04 pm
Well, it's right there in the Constitution: All persons are citizens of the states in which they reside and no state may deny its citizens the equal protection of the laws, except the queers of course, they don't count.
Go ahead , look it up.
27.
Anthony | June 22, 2011 at 12:05 pm
I'm 26 lol, I haven't lost that drive yet. VOTE ALREADY!
28.
countrydogs | June 22, 2011 at 12:08 pm
Capital Tonight tweeted that they have the 32nd Yes vote. of course take the tweeted rumor as you will. The tweet is from an hour ago.
http://twitter.com/#!/capitaltonight
29.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 12:13 pm
I'm 27, and I have.
30.
asiesamigo | June 22, 2011 at 12:14 pm
I'm 72 Anthony & still going strong.
31.
Balu | June 22, 2011 at 12:18 pm
The tweet says "Republican working the #gaymarriage vote insists a firm 32 in Sen GOP conference, refuses to reveal tipping point. Still no word on vote."
32.
Anthony | June 22, 2011 at 12:19 pm
Ahhhh, the news that there might be a 32nd Yes vote is good enough for me for the next half hour….now for private time!
33.
Mackenzie | June 22, 2011 at 12:22 pm
Well this would be splendid news. But does that mean they are any closer to bringing it to an actual vote?!?
34.
Kevin | June 22, 2011 at 12:22 pm
Ahh. I understood that to mean it was a firm 32 nays.
35.
Maggie4NoH8 | June 22, 2011 at 12:27 pm
ATTA BOY Anthony!!!!
36.
Anthony | June 22, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Haha, e-mail me what you've got, I'm open to suggestions.
30.anthonyromeo@gmail.com
37.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Ok, so Capital Tonight is reporting that Senator Roy McDonald has a fake twitter account; presumably set up by anti-marriage equality, as all of the tweets are meant to make him look bad for his vote.
That's not tacky at all! So, yeah… Brian Brown and Maggie Gallagher must have a lot of spare time.
38.
Adam Bink | June 22, 2011 at 12:34 pm
OK, let's put a lid on this talk
39.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 12:34 pm
A tweet from CityHallNews:
"We meet Conservative GOP Senator in hallway: says conference has not discussed #ssm in days, won't vote today, will be last item on docket."
40.
seth from maryland | June 22, 2011 at 12:34 pm
NY Leaders Tweaking Marriage Equality Amendments; Optimism Expressed on Senate Vote Tonight
Read more: http://www.towleroad.com/2011/06/ny-leaders-tweak…
41.
Kevin | June 22, 2011 at 12:35 pm
Thx! Great resource.
42.
Sam_Handwich | June 22, 2011 at 12:37 pm
hahahaha Priceless, last two posts:
"won't vote today"
"Optimism Expressed on Senate Vote Tonight "
43.
Anthony | June 22, 2011 at 12:38 pm
Haha sorry, nervous energy. I want this vote so badly, I just need to channel it into positive thoughts and more and more lobby calls. In about 20 minutes haha. Sorry Adam!
44.
jamestuttle | June 22, 2011 at 12:40 pm
Whoops I was trying to be clever…sorry all.
45.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 12:41 pm
This is from WGRZ–and NBC affiliate (http://www.wgrz.com/news/article/125409/1/New-York-State-Same-Sex-Marriage-Debate-Lingers):
Still undetermined was whether the Republican-controlled Senate would vote to legalize same-sex marriage, an issue that has trumped the other pending legislation as crowds again this morning filled the hallways in the Capitol to either support or oppose the bill.
A Senate spokesman said the issue wasn't discussed by the Republican lawmakers at its daily conference behind closed doors.
Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, R-Nassau County, also chided Gov. Andrew Cuomo this morning, saying Cuomo has said he doesn't want a vote on the issue unless it's clear it would pass. But Skelos said Cuomo indicated yesterday he wants a vote.
"The governor at one time said he didn't want a vote on marriage unless it was going to pass. So he's changed his tune," Skelos told reporters.
Pressure continues to build on Senate Republicans over the same-sex marriage issue. The measure is one vote shy of the 32 votes needed for it to pass in the Senate; it passed the Democratic-led Assembly last week.
Conservative Party chairman Michael Long urged Republicans to leave town without a vote.
"Once again, we urge you to stand strong for traditional marriage and not put a bill on the floor. Any bill that will harm our state should not be allowed a vote," Long said.
The gay-rights coalition New Yorkers United for Marriage, meanwhile, said this morning that its supporters have made over 25,000 phone calls to state senators and held 30 phonebanks.
Chef Mario Batali and actress Audra McDonald, star of the ABC's Private Practice, were in Albany today to try to rally support for the bill.
46.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 12:47 pm
I just tried to post something, but (for some reason) it has to be approved by the site admins. An NBC affiliate is saying that there is some sort of bitterness between Skelos and Cuomo over the bill or something, and that one Senator says they shouldn't vote on it because it is a "bill that would harm our state."
47.
Ozymandias71 | June 22, 2011 at 1:02 pm
*watches in awe as Twitter goes nuts, internet blogs light up like Christmas trees, and news websites implode under the sheer weight of all the comments* Sacred bovine! Holy cow, even!
C'mon New York, do the right thing. Please do the right thing!
48.
AnonyGrl | June 22, 2011 at 1:10 pm
Once again, I am left with nothing to say… I don't know any more than you all do at this point… but REALLY I wish we were done with this. It is getting to the point that when it DOES pass, I am not going to have any energy to do anything more than say "oh good" and immediately fall asleep.
49.
Alan_Eckert | June 22, 2011 at 1:11 pm
Remember the bankruptcy case that ruled DOMA section 3 unconstitutional? Well Towleroad finally has an extended discussion about that decision. Read it here:
http://www.towleroad.com/2011/06/doma-goes-bankru…
50.
davep | June 22, 2011 at 1:24 pm
What can we do to help make NOM extinct? Keep watching them and calling them out on their hateful words and actions, and keep bringing it to the attention of the media and various watchdog groups like the Southern Poverty Law Center until these groups finally decides to list them as an official Hate Group.
These are the kinds of things that will make NOM very unattractive to individuals and organizations that are giving them money. Sure, there are some folks who don't care if the world sees them as bigots who harm families, but I bet that most if not all of the major sources of funds going to NOM would finally decide that they don't want to be associated with NOM once NOM starts collecting all of those negative labels. Picture the headlines – "Knights of Columbus funding Hate Group" or "Wal-mart donating profits to Hate Group".
Even if we never find out where they get their money, the sources of that money would distance themselves from NOM so they don't get tainted by NOM's bad press.
51.
davep | June 22, 2011 at 1:26 pm
One word, Anthony –
Multitask.
52.
Casey | June 22, 2011 at 1:33 pm
This is so gross and yet so funny.
53.
JonT | June 22, 2011 at 1:36 pm
Haha.
Come on Senators! Vote!
Do it for Anthony!
54.
AnonyGrl | June 22, 2011 at 1:41 pm
Got a rumor here that it is now on the calendar for tonight!!!!
Don't know how true it is, but I am headed over to the Senate Gallery to see what I can see.
55.
seth from maryland | June 22, 2011 at 1:41 pm
i been seeing some tweets saying we now have 32 votes, anyone know if its true?
56.
seth from maryland | June 22, 2011 at 1:43 pm
breaking vote tonight
57.
Jim | June 22, 2011 at 1:45 pm
I've seen that 32-vote rumor repeated in various places; but have seen nothing to show that is anything but a rumor.
58.
seth from maryland | June 22, 2011 at 1:47 pm
that just tweets im not 100% sure
59.
Mackenzie | June 22, 2011 at 1:53 pm
Agh! Do we have physical confirmation???
60.
MFargo | June 22, 2011 at 1:55 pm
Thanks for the link, loaferguy. I got a kick out of the last line: "For gay-marriage supporters, it's going to feel like a very long summer." Clearly, they're still chafed about being exposed for last year's (most excellent) NOM Tour Tracker.
61.
AnonyGrl | June 22, 2011 at 1:56 pm
Smoke signals. They may not appreciate me setting a chair in the gallery on fire, but such is life.
Later all! I am out!
62.
seth from maryland | June 22, 2011 at 2:01 pm
yea that what i wish , one of the tweets said that a vote was added to the calander , dont whats true and not and here other tweet (New York State Republican Conference have confirmed a thirty-second vote has been “secured” for the passage of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s Marriage Equality Act.)that someone said , i dont know if any of this true, so many rumors
63.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Ok, so The Advocate is showing the live video stream from Albany on its website.
64.
Anthony | June 22, 2011 at 2:12 pm
Any hard proof or confirmation that either the 32nd vote has been secured, or that the vote will certainly take place tonight?
65.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 2:14 pm
No "hard" (wink wink) proof that I know. But, if you follow "capitaltonight" and "NYSenate" on twitter, they have excellent updates. They are twitter speculation, but they are pretty clear and informed.
66.
Carpool_Cookie | June 22, 2011 at 2:14 pm
Linky-link?
67.
jpmassar | June 22, 2011 at 2:20 pm
About the phone bank in NYC:
A note via email I got from a resident of NYC when I notified him of such:
"careful, 1199 is on west 42nd street. I have no idea where the Washington Avenue address is. There isn't even an Washington Avenue in NYC."
68.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 2:24 pm
It's in Albany:
155 Washington Avenue
Albany NY 12210
http://www.1199seiu.org/about/offices.cfm
69.
Waxr | June 22, 2011 at 2:25 pm
You can get the link right from the NY Senate's own website: http://www.nysenate.gov/event/2011/jun/22/senate-…
70.
Phillip R | June 22, 2011 at 2:27 pm
Sounds like my studio back in Seattle….outrageous rent for maybe 300 square feet…maybe.
Oddly enough, I miss it…it had character!
71.
Sagesse | June 22, 2011 at 2:35 pm
Andrew Sullivan summarizes news from a variety of sources.
22 Jun 2011 04:42 PM
Waiting For Albany, Ctd
http://andrewsullivan.thedailybeast.com/2011/06/e…
72.
Carpool_Cookie | June 22, 2011 at 2:36 pm
I'm happier in L.A., though, with about 10 times the space. Still, there's nothing like the picturesque Upper West Side : ( My landlord was actually very indulgent with letting me sublet the place to someone else for about 10 years…until the new owners were like, "Okay, do you live HERE, or THERE…???"
73.
Phillip R | June 22, 2011 at 2:44 pm
From a link in this article….looks like he wants it all….
http://www.capitaltonight.com/2011/06/long-no-lon…
74.
Reformed | June 22, 2011 at 2:47 pm
Republicans, if there smart, should designate a safe republican seat to cast the yes vote in order to protect their majority from a conservative backlash. Even if the Senator wishing to yote yes had the backbone to do it, it would be wise to acknowledge that the votes were there and that Senator so and so had been designated to cast the deciding yes vote. NOM wouldn't know who to go after.
75.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 2:47 pm
On the live feed from the Senate, you can hear protests in the background. It sounds like a RIOT is going on out there!! It has gotten really loud, and I don't know how long they can keep up the session with out removing the protesters, or quieting them up somehow.
Also, on twitter, rumor has it that anti-equality folks are bussing people in. The pressure is really mounting.
76.
Edward | June 22, 2011 at 3:01 pm
The senate stands at ease? Umm…..so is that it??? What the hell??
77.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 3:01 pm
The Senate is at ease. There will be a 6:15 Majority meeting, there will be a rules meeting at 7 (I believe) and a Democratic party meeting at 7. So, nothing public for the next couple of hours.
78.
LCH | June 22, 2011 at 3:02 pm
♀♀=♂♂=♀♂=∑♡
79.
nightshayde | June 22, 2011 at 3:04 pm
I wouldn't be surprised if they hold the vote during President Obama's speech this evening. They know those who really care one way or the other about marriage equality will be paying attention, but I bet they're hoping that lots of their constituents will be focused on the Afghanistan speech instead. Those who are voting yes & think their constituents will punish them for it, or those voting no who think their constituents will punish them for it probably want as few constituents as possible knowing about it.
80.
Str8Grandmother | June 22, 2011 at 3:04 pm
Do you think that is it for tonight? I just watched it live and they said that was the end of the calendar and then the Republicans are going into a closed rules meeting and the Democrats are having their own meeting at 7pm so dunno, it doesn't look good that anything will happen tonight. What does everybody else think?
81.
Kevin | June 22, 2011 at 3:06 pm
I need a Xanax … anyone know if I have a case for Negligent Infliction of Emotional Distress against Skelos?
82.
Sam in SF | June 22, 2011 at 3:09 pm
Please, please, PLEASE let that not be IT!!!
83.
Mackenzie | June 22, 2011 at 3:16 pm
I have heard the opposite. According to Senators Ball's Facebook/Twitter, I have heard people I know report that it will be on the agenda for tonight. I can't personally confirm this however.
84.
nightshayde | June 22, 2011 at 3:27 pm
I can't see the video here at work, but I get all teary-eyed every time I hear "Make it Stop (September's Children)" on the radio.
85.
Waxr | June 22, 2011 at 3:47 pm
If a compromise bill passes, then it will have to go to the house again. But that shouldn't be a problem.
86.
Bob | June 22, 2011 at 3:53 pm
got an e-mail from Queer Rising,,, saying there's a lot of activity in the hallways,,, and they're feeling a little outnumbered by the opposition,,,,, and are asking for a little company
87.
Carpool_Cookie | June 22, 2011 at 3:55 pm
The senate channel is playing very somber muzak now…it sounds like ersatz Doctor Zhivago or something.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/06/2…
88.
Ann S. | June 22, 2011 at 4:02 pm
I'm trying to re-subscribe — I stopped receiving new comments for some reason. If feels odd to have the inbox so quiet.
89.
LCH | June 22, 2011 at 4:06 pm
Wish I could be there. Can I tweet support? If yes what is tag?
♀♀=♂♂=♀♂=∑♡
90.
LesbosLoveBoies | June 22, 2011 at 4:11 pm
From Vienna: Via Sen. Breslind (sp?) vote won't happen today (or at 3am), more likely tomorrow or Friday.
But Vienna did learn that there ARE three (3) more Republicans on board for the Marriage Equality Bill — which brings the count at least to 34. Go Equality (that's from me.)
If hears any thing more, she will post it.
91.
Ann S. | June 22, 2011 at 4:12 pm
Wow!!!
92.
Carpool_Cookie | June 22, 2011 at 4:16 pm
Will be hoping! Who'd have thunk New York would be so slow and dragged out?? The Project Runway people should all be there, picketing.
93.
Waxr | June 22, 2011 at 4:16 pm
Why would they wait. If the vote is taken today, the Senate would be able to go on their planned recess tomorrow.
94.
Ann S. | June 22, 2011 at 4:18 pm
File under: Civil Unions Are Not "Good Enough", Damn It.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/waymon-hudson/illin…
95.
Sagesse | June 22, 2011 at 4:19 pm
The same thing happened to me. I missed about an hour's worth of posts, then re-subscribed. I was logged out by Intense Debate during that time… I think the two events are connected.
96.
Str8Grandmother | June 22, 2011 at 4:23 pm
Alright then I'm out, I'm going to bed, thanks for the update. I hope it happens tomorrow when Obama is in New York.
97.
davep | June 22, 2011 at 4:34 pm
Can anyone else confirm the report from Vienna and LesbosLoveBoise???????
98.
nightshayde | June 22, 2011 at 4:46 pm
I think they're waiting because the person who decides when/if to bring something to a vote is against the measure. If he's pretty sure it's going to pass, it serves his purposes to not let it come up for a vote at all… or to wait until some people who plan to vote "yes" just agree to vote "no" so they can be done with it and go home.
99.
nightshayde | June 22, 2011 at 4:50 pm
If I wasn't on the other side of the country, I'd be there with bells on!
100.
Bob | June 22, 2011 at 4:58 pm
thanks again AnonyGrl,,,,,
101.
Alan_Eckert | June 22, 2011 at 5:07 pm
So apparently I can stop getting new comment emails out of nowhere. Not sure what's causing it, though. I'm using the "Intense debate" login.
102.
Alan_Eckert | June 22, 2011 at 5:07 pm
Oh yeah me too!
103.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 5:07 pm
I think it is because it isn't done. AP is reporting that there is agreement but that the language has not been picked yet. So I think it is more just a matter of not having it planned, printed, signed, sealed, and delivered.
I am, as a wise man once said, "cautiously optimistic." (…And superstitious to the point of being totally neurotic.)
104.
Alan_Eckert | June 22, 2011 at 5:08 pm
Maybe when it hits 100 posts?
105.
Ann S. | June 22, 2011 at 5:09 pm
Alan, I'm not getting them, either. It's not just you. I'm using a WordPress login.
106.
Edward | June 22, 2011 at 5:16 pm
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/waymon-hudson/illin…
As reported by Ann S. (thank you).
Pardon my language….but….Fuck you DOMA!!!!
107.
Sam in SF | June 22, 2011 at 5:21 pm
Here's something to lighten things up, hopefully you find it as funny as I do. My partner and I own a toy and game store in the mall in downtown SF. We carry several games that are geared to the bible such as Bibleopoly, Apples to Apples Bible Edition and Bible Trivia. The Bible Trivia game comes complete with "judgment cards" (how appropriate). We were discussing it over the context of everything happening across the nation and the fight for equality. In doing so, we have decided and are pledging on here that for every religious based game we sell in our store we will donate $1 to Courage Campaign to further the fight for full equality. I've watched this blog from the beginning and have grown fond of the "community" on here even though I've only recently began commenting. It's great to see so many like minded people together even with the miles that distance us. Here's hoping NY makes up their mind to vote soon
!!!
108.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 5:22 pm
Yesterday, I wrote the following in regards to the New York Poll that NOM did:
"There is something fishy about the group that did that poll.
Let me quote you a passage from one of the reports posted on their website:
"Homosexuality would be a non-issue for active Catholics were it not for the radical agenda of homosexual advocates to legalizing gay marriage and gay adoption."
…And then they continue where they identify the Catholic church as "we" (emphasis is mine):
"At another time, under different political circumstances, active Catholics and non-Catholic Christian conservatives might find themselves on opposite sides of the barricades. But at this political moment, these two groups are united by a common diagnosis of the social crisis and a common desire for an agenda of social and cultural reconstruction. WE stand together just now at the side of the road with thumbs out, waiting for a political leadership to come along which will lead US forward."
Not to mention, NOM hired them to do polls after Dede Scozzafava lost in New York's 23rd district, and in California's Republican Senate Primary in 2010, and–surprise, surprise–in both cases, with the same sized sample (around 300, which is REALLY small in polling), they found that the Republican who supported marriage equality lost because they supported marriage equality.
Something here doesn't seem right. "
I think Gayopolis News found what it was: NOM's poll of registered voters, which shows 57% of people against marriage equality, only had 7 percent of respondents who were under the age of 40. 69 percent were over the age of 60. It was biased toward older voters, and how do voters historically vote on marriage equality?…
109.
Sagesse | June 22, 2011 at 5:28 pm
Handy primer on marriage equality. Let's hope it's soon out of date.
Will New York allow gay marriage? Seven ways states differ on the issue.
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2011/0622/Will-New-Y…
110.
Ann S. | June 22, 2011 at 5:29 pm
I wasn't even logged out, because it didn't require me to log back in. Just — no comment emails.
111.
Sagesse | June 22, 2011 at 5:32 pm
Sorry, I said 'logged out'; Intense Debate says 'timed out'.
112.
Ann S. | June 22, 2011 at 5:34 pm
The headline on this one is a bit misleading — no name, but FDL is reporting that there *is* a 32nd vote for equality!!
http://news.firedoglake.com/2011/06/22/in-new-yor…
113.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 5:55 pm
Holy crap! They are debating 9/11. I doubt that they are taking up marriage equality after that.
114.
Maggie4NoH8 | June 22, 2011 at 5:57 pm
http://www.capitaltonight.com/2011/06/jim-alesi-g…
I love this!!!
115.
nightshayde | June 22, 2011 at 6:05 pm
They need to get on with the vote, already. I've been sucked into the wilderness of commenting on a Yahoo story. Save me, P8TTs!!! Save me!!!!
116.
MFargo | June 22, 2011 at 6:06 pm
Here I am again…waiting…refreshing…waiting refreshing. No, no one's making me, but…waiting…refreshing…waiting…refreshing….
117.
nightshayde | June 22, 2011 at 6:06 pm
Um …
It happened. The gays didn't do it.
End of debate. o.O
118.
davep | June 22, 2011 at 6:10 pm
Me too. I'm still at work, just waiting for the traffic to ease up, really. I'll get us a couple of cups of coffee.
119.
davep | June 22, 2011 at 6:13 pm
Has there been any reporting in the past few hours of where we stand on the number of YES votes? Something more substantial than twitter rumors?
120.
MFargo | June 22, 2011 at 6:14 pm
Thanks. (Black for me…and it looks like I'll be needin' a grande.)
121.
Reformed | June 22, 2011 at 6:16 pm
i wonder how many of the anti equality are calling the senators and pretending to be new yorkers. After all the egregious lying, a few little white ones, for the cause, shouldn.t be a problem.
Which brings me to my questions. Are calls from outside the state helpful?
122.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 6:17 pm
The 9/11 debate ended. The Republicans were being real jerks; they were really disrespectful. But that is all beside the point. The point is that the debate on that is over, and I think there is one other bill on this particular agenda. After that, I don't know what is up.
123.
Rae | June 22, 2011 at 6:18 pm
Me three, from all the way on the opposite side of the globe. Come on, New York!
124.
Casey | June 22, 2011 at 6:20 pm
Ugh, frustrated with the tweeterator! There are totally opposite reports all over the place – they're voting tonight, they're not voting tonight….I want this over and done with, but at the same time, I would kind of love to see Obama speak on Manhattan, with a huge crowd of either jubilant or angry gays, on the same day as the vote. I guess Skelos is just delaying the inevitable…? Seems silly – he has to bring it to the floor with this kind of political pressure. Right? …………………………I mean…………………right?
125.
MFargo | June 22, 2011 at 6:20 pm
Not to join the disrespect, but I kept thinking would everyone be expounding this much on the Rainbow Flag.
126.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 6:24 pm
Rules committee is meeting, and then when it is done they will come back with more bills.
127.
Casey | June 22, 2011 at 6:25 pm
I have been wondering this, too. I grew up in Syracuse (Go Orange!) but now live in Virginia. I've been using social media and snail mail…I guess calls from anywhere couldn't hurt.
128.
davep | June 22, 2011 at 6:25 pm
OK, I gotta get on the frikken freeway for an hour. Feel free to get this resolved while I'm off line and I'll catch up with the celebration when I get home.
129.
Sagesse | June 22, 2011 at 6:26 pm
The concept is pathetic, the execution is worse.
Local, national Catholics to ramp up ‘language’ war on same-sex marriage
http://minnesotaindependent.com/83076/local-natio…
130.
LD1 | June 22, 2011 at 6:27 pm
Wait– rules committee meeting, then they'll come out with a few bills that they'll pass, THEN, as he understands it, there will be a few other pieces of legislation (!) to discuss.
131.
MFargo | June 22, 2011 at 6:27 pm
drive safe
132.
Gary | June 22, 2011 at 6:28 pm
According to Markos (dKos) on Twitter, it's through the rules committee.
133.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 6:28 pm
Yes. And none of the rules bills are the marriage equality act.
134.
Ronnie | June 22, 2011 at 6:29 pm
This is what NOM et al really wants….the sign says it all….a big red "x" through "same sex"…(yup, the word "marriage" does not appear on the sign) .really?….REALLY???!!….& exactly how does those who say their only issue is about not allowing 2men or 2women to get married think they are going to "red "x" same sex"?……
http://www.goodasyou.org/good_as_you/2011/06/phot…
So let me lay this out: NOM supporter carries a sign that quotes Leviticus & depicts 2 nooses as the way to "protect marriage" last summer….now this summer in Albany another "protect" marriage supporter thinks a sign depicting red "x"ing "same sex" will somehow "protect marriage". Do we see a pattern here?
Pattern Hint: NOM = National Organization for Maniacs is an understatement …… : / …Ronnie
135.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 6:33 pm
Associated Press is reporting that it won't be tonight. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110623/ap_on_re_us/u…
136.
LD1 | June 22, 2011 at 6:34 pm
None of the rules bills are marriage equality act– but he mentioned "other legislation" that would be addressed afterwards. Couldn't that be marriage equality act?
137.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 6:39 pm
Queer rising is wrong. I just watched the meeting.
138.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 6:40 pm
Associated Press is reporting that it won't be tonight.
139.
nightshayde | June 22, 2011 at 6:40 pm
I've been e-mailing and tweeting from outside the state in support of marriage equality. I never claimed to be a current New Yorker. I mentioned in the e-mails that I am a former New Yorker (I was born there) but that I now live elsewhere. I didn't say anything about where I live in my tweets.
140.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 6:40 pm
Here is what they did: http://www.nysenate.gov/event/2011/jun/22/rules-m…
141.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 6:43 pm
Yes. But, the news organizations are reporting that the Republicans will decide whether to bring it up in their caucus meeting tomorrow.
By the way, I am not meaning to post multiple times. I don't know what happened. It just kinda did that itself.
142.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 6:52 pm
I will be relieved when this is all over, but I will also be a bit sad. I mean, there has been such a communal feeling the past few days… everyone with a common outlook on an issue, working together to stay informed and make a difference. It has been kinda nice.
We should do it again, say in… New Jersey?
143.
Chrys | June 22, 2011 at 6:53 pm
I tell them that I am a New Yorker born and bred, although i live in PA now, and that I'd love to come home and get married where my family lives. I figure that lets them know that some New Yorkers are actually involved in my call.
144.
LD1 | June 22, 2011 at 6:54 pm
Agreed
145.
Waxr | June 22, 2011 at 6:55 pm
How can they possibly ramp up the "language" war? Isn't the language already used to describe gays and lesbians already foul enough?
146.
Straight Ally #3008 | June 22, 2011 at 6:58 pm
Oh there are plenty of states left, plus DOMA, plus the actual Prop 8 trial. But let's get through this one first….
147.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 7:03 pm
Very true… I was wrong to act like we've won it already. Don't want to jinx anything. Gotta keep up the work!
On a positive note, the NY Senate official twitter account said that their live feed usually has 200-300 viewers. Right now… 1594 viewers right at this moment.
That is a lot of interested people!
148.
MFargo | June 22, 2011 at 7:16 pm
Anderson Cooper will be reporting on the vote in Albany (and why it's taking so long) in the upcoming hour.
149.
MFargo | June 22, 2011 at 7:22 pm
Jeffery Toobin (on Anderson Cooper) said "It looks like it will pass."
150.
Waxr | June 22, 2011 at 7:23 pm
Have you noticed that the Senater's speeches are getting longer?
151.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 7:27 pm
That was a very optimistic report; now I just wish the AP was so optimistic. In their reporting they keep seeming to emphasize that the Republicans control whether or not it will come to a vote, almost like they don't believe it will happen.
I hope the optimism is well placed, but we'll see.
152.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 7:30 pm
Talk to you tomorrow kids!
153.
Steve | June 22, 2011 at 7:31 pm
New York is huge. Literally. Population-wise it's a more significant step forwards than any of the New England states
154.
Mark M. (Seattle) | June 22, 2011 at 7:44 pm
That's great Sam! Every $1 helps
155.
Gregory in SLC | June 22, 2011 at 7:54 pm
Hoping Anderson is right! ((HUGS)) and strength to all!
156.
Judy | June 22, 2011 at 8:06 pm
What did Anderson say? I'm watching live feed, where they mentioned an urgent message and have adjourned into rep and dem meetings. Methinks something might be afoot…
157.
Waxr | June 22, 2011 at 8:18 pm
It's not over yet. There is going to be another meeting of the rules committee.
158.
LesbosLoveBoies | June 22, 2011 at 8:20 pm
Via AnonyGrl, the Repubs are back in Conference. She is at the NY Capital, waiting to see if it gets on tonight. She will let us know right when she hears news.
159.
Casey | June 22, 2011 at 8:23 pm
*Fingers crossed* I know I won't be able to sleep
160.
LesbosLoveBoies | June 22, 2011 at 8:33 pm
They are heading back into session now…via AnonyGrl.
161.
Waxr | June 22, 2011 at 8:39 pm
It Looks like it's not happening yet.
162.
Scott4335 | June 22, 2011 at 8:42 pm
Check this out….thisa article says it passed the rules committee at 9:30pm and is headed for vote more than likely in the morning….
http://www.knickledger.com/2011/06/marriage-equal…
163.
LesbosLoveBoies | June 22, 2011 at 8:46 pm
Sent that to AnonyGrl to see her response.
164.
LesbosLoveBoies | June 22, 2011 at 8:49 pm
She is not sure, even though she is there. I wonder who actually knows then : ) Boy, the NY senate is def. better than the AZ Senate, but both have their problems.
165.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 8:51 pm
We talked about this earlier. If you go to both the Senate webpage and the official Senate twitter, they say that this is a rumor.
166.
seth from maryland | June 22, 2011 at 8:52 pm
if thats true , then thats fine with me , as long as they vote on it and pass it.
167.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 8:56 pm
I know what you mean. I couldn't sleep, so I am back listening to the Senate. I figure, if anything will put me to sleep…
168.
LesbosLoveBoies | June 22, 2011 at 8:56 pm
They are debating unions for doctors right now (via AnonyGrl… So don't think that article is correct. But then who knows.
169.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 8:57 pm
See below… the Senate confirmed that it did not pass rules. The website has a live stream of the Senate and a list of the bills they are considering tonight.
http://www.nysenate.gov/event/2011/jun/22/senate-…
170.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 8:58 pm
NYSenate on twitter:
We can affirm that it has not passed rules.
171.
LesbosLoveBoies | June 22, 2011 at 8:58 pm
But you know it won't. It's like watching the storm 'gathering' — up all night wondering if the power will go out. I pray for New York. Equality was due there yesterday.
172.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 8:59 pm
And again… It has not passed through rules. That report was inaccurate.
173.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 9:06 pm
They are adjourned for the day.
174.
Warner | June 22, 2011 at 9:06 pm
Senate just adjounred. republicans will be meeting tommarow at 10am.
175.
Scott4335 | June 22, 2011 at 9:06 pm
Sorry Bryce and all…..I missed the earlier conversation…..
Yes Senate did confirm via twitter
176.
Waxr | June 22, 2011 at 9:07 pm
The Senate is adjurned until 11 A.M. June 23. Keep you fingers crossed.
177.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 9:08 pm
Yet another day that we have to make sure that our protesters are represented and don't get lost in the mob of anti-equality folks. Sigh.
178.
Sagesse | June 22, 2011 at 9:08 pm
Democratic and Republican conferences at 10 am. Senate reconvenes at 11 am. Sleep well all. As Scarlett O'Hara was fond of saying, tomorrow is another day.
179.
LesbosLoveBoies | June 22, 2011 at 9:17 pm
via anonygrl, they are adjourned for the night. She will post when she gets home.
180.
Eric | June 22, 2011 at 9:18 pm
http://www.knickledger.com/2011/06/32nd-vote-secu…
Good news – but still not getting my hopes up.
181.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 9:22 pm
If you get a chance… the Democratic Senators are trying to get #letusVOTE to trend on twitter. Since it is actual Senators who are involved, it might be pretty cool if we helped out.
182.
seth from maryland | June 22, 2011 at 9:25 pm
sorry , thats just a rumor
183.
seth from maryland | June 22, 2011 at 9:33 pm
not just New Jersey , How about Maryland:) , Rhode Island, help in minnesota when it comes time to vote, defend new hampshare, we can do this , Yes we can
184.
Ann S. | June 22, 2011 at 9:41 pm
Will do.
185.
AnonyGrl | June 22, 2011 at 9:56 pm
Today I actually stopped in my Senator's office (Neil Breslin) during the dinner break. He was great, welcomed me in even though he had NO idea who I was, and invited me to sit on his couch (red, leather, surprisingly comfortable after the padded but very upright benches in the Senate Gallery.
He was speaking with another woman, who walked in with me (she was pointing me towards the ladies room and decided to duck in to see Sen. Breslin for a minute, she was a friend of his, and I sort of tagged along…)
They discussed that the bill was not going to come up tonight, despite rumors flying that the Republicans were going to push it to 3am and deal with it under cover of literal darkness. He said that was not going to happen. They also discussed the fact that there are three other solid yes votes expected from the Republicans, even though they are not announcing it, putting our total to 34 of a necessary 32, so close, but comfortable. Breslin thinks it will probably be tomorrow night, but might go to Friday night.
Went back later to the evening session, in time to hear them vote on unions for doctors, something about state funds to make green improvements on private homes, another bill that I didn't catch what the heck they were on about, and something about autism. The good news… ish… Jason McGuire of New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms (yeah. right.) was there, looking rather sour, and surrounded by people from Queer Rising and HRC. I've seen him around the capitol all week, always with a big, used car salesman smile, but he wasn't looking happy. I am going to take that as a VERY good sign. Or at least do a little reveling in his unhappiness. Schadenfreude anyone?
I am going to sleep now… and will be back tomorrow after work to sit around and wait some more. I would suggest keeping the calls going. There may be some others in the undecided list who will figure last minute that they want to be able to tell their grandchildren some day that they were on the right side of this civil rights battle, so who knows…
Love you all! G'night!
186.
Bryce | June 22, 2011 at 10:06 pm
You are incredible. If I wasn't gay, didn't only know of you through messages on this website, and didn't think it would be too presumptuous I'd ask you to run away with me! Ha!
I like how you say "even though they are not announcing it". Oops. Guess the cat's out of the bag, eh?
Keep up the good work, and keep fighting the good fight for all of us who desperately wish we could be there! And, when all is said and done, if I ever meet you in person, I will bring you homebaked cookies. (I really have to stop watching food network.)
187.
Ann S. | June 22, 2011 at 10:12 pm
Thank you for all the work and all the reporting, Anonygrl!! Fingers crossed for tomorrow!
And what Bryce said — if I wasn't straight and married, and didn't think it would be too presumptuous, I'd ask you to run away with me!
188.
AnonyGrl | June 22, 2011 at 10:48 pm
I accept. Bryce, you bring the cookies… Ann, you bring your husband, and we will ALL run away together once this is done! Somewhere with a nice beach, and maybe coconuts, although those are optional.
I know… I said I was going to bed an hour ago… I am just so wired it is hard to sleep. Now I am REALLY going to bed. Talk to you tomorrow!
189.
_BK_ | June 22, 2011 at 11:59 pm
I want to go find a hole to hide in, take a long nap, and then wake up to see what happened. This is too much stress!
190.
Str8Grandmother | June 23, 2011 at 2:26 am
LOL!
191.
Str8Grandmother | June 23, 2011 at 2:37 am
Yeah plenty of States left however, if my memory serves me right, 39 of those states have Constitutional Amendments prohibiting gender neutral marriage so those are much bigger political hills. You first have to Amend the State Constitution and then follow through with a new law permitting it.
There is actually only a handful of states that don't have a Constitutional Amendment. Without looking it up, going from memory Minnesota has not Constitutional Amendment against it but the Legislature just voted to put it to a Referendum to Amend their Constitution and prohibit it. I believe Indianan is in the same process.
192.
Casey | June 23, 2011 at 4:25 am
Good morning all! It's a bright new day of hitting refresh!! Hopefully, by bedtime tonight we will all be relieved and happy.
193.
Sagesse | June 23, 2011 at 4:39 am
Thanks so much for your persistence and determined activism through the New York campaign. With you and all New Yorkers in spirit.
I can't help thinking that this delay has something to do with making thinks awkward for Obama at tonight's LGBT fundraiser. He can't very well make any meaningful comment on his views about marriage equality in New York City if the vote hasn't happened yet.
West Wing Briefing: At LGBT fundraiser, Obama may face questions on gay marriage
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/44/post/west-…
194.
Sagesse | June 23, 2011 at 4:48 am
New day new page in the comments. In other news.
Half of College-Educated Gays Hide Orientation at Work
http://slatest.slate.com/posts/2011/06/22/gay_wor…
195.
Sagesse | June 23, 2011 at 4:57 am
The latest from the Advocate.
Marriage Equality in New York: Any Day Now
http://www.prop8trialtracker.com/2011/06/22/gov-c…
196.
loaferguy | June 23, 2011 at 5:57 am
Good morning everyone! Hope we all have some good news coming our way today!
197.
MFargo | June 23, 2011 at 6:35 am
If they can defeat the bill, why not put it up for vote?
198.
Waxr | June 23, 2011 at 6:53 am
As bad as this wait is, it will get even worse when the bill comes to the floor and we will have to listen to hours of debate as Senators explain their vote.
199.
Ozymandias71 | June 23, 2011 at 6:53 am
Ahh, the coffee is flowing… good morning all!
200.
Bryce | June 23, 2011 at 9:49 am
Casey, you are far too chipper for that early in the morning.
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