Gay Marriage Updates

It’s been a surprisingly positive week for advocates of Gay Marriage in the United States. After suffering a defeat in Maine (the ACLU of Massachusetts was particularly saddened by this, given that we spent election day campaigning in the state), both the District of Columbia and the state of New York have offered promising stories.

Today, the New York Senate will vote during a special session.

Daily Kos has the scoop on the rather complicated process:

“Sometime today, the NY Senate will vote during its special session to legalize gay marriage. The Albany Project has a look at where the votes might come from, since the measure is opposed by at least two Democrats, and possibly five, it will require several Republicans to pass. Supporters are confident that the votes are there.

Since this is a special session, the previous Assembly vote was inoperative and the measure needed to pass the chamber again. Mission accomplished last night, as the Assembly revote on it after a 1 minute debate. Two years ago, the debate lasted three hours.

This morning, the Senate passed the gay marriage bill out of its rules committee. There should be four hours debate on the measure later today. Once it passes, Gov. Patterson will sign it as quick as he can. He has been the main driver of making this happen this year. Assuming all goes well, he'll deserve a big part of the credit.”

In Washington DC, a proposed gay marriage bill passed its first reading (by an 11-2 vote). From Pink News:

“It receives a second and final council vote later this month and will then go to Fenty for approval.

However, it must then be approved by Congress during a 30-day review. Observers have said it is likely the Democrat-controlled Congress will approve it, which could make gay marriage legal by late January”

We’ll be watching these votes closely. Stay tuned on the Mass Rights blog to find out the results!