Marriage equality bill voted down in New York State Senate

Despite many stirring speeches in the New York State Senate in favor of Marriage Equality for same-sex and LGBT couples, it was voted down 38 to 24.

Many African-American senators compared equal marriage rights to civil rights issues the African-American community has faced.  Some spoke passionately about how not that long ago they wouldn't have been able to serve in the Senate or vote, and how in the past, African Americans couldnt even marry each other (forget interracial marriage!) and had to resort to "jumping the broom" ceremonies to cement their unions.  One senator shared that some modern couples still incorporate jumping the broom into their wedding ceremony in honor of that. 

Sen. Suzy Oppenheimer compared the discrimination faced by the LGBT community to discrimination against Jews, noting that her husband escaped to America before the Holocaust.. She also stated:

"Some people have said to me it diminishes their marriage. I dont understand that.  Why would it diminish my marriage? I have a very fine marriage. I have four wonderful children. I have many grandchildren. I dont understand when people say that to me."

She and many others complimented Senator Tom Duane (original sponsor of the bill) and his long-term partner Louis Webre for their committed relationship and hoped they would be able to get married after the vote.

Unfortunately, those who were either against marriage equality or afraid of community backlash if they voted for it prevailed, and the vote went down 38-24 against. Despite the fact that the majority of New Yorkers are for it.  And despite the fact that the Assembly passed it twice--last night's vote was 88 to 51 to allow same-sex marriage. On the upside, at least it was finally allowed to come to a vote in the Senate, which it never was before. Now we can find out who voted against and target them for persuasion.

Empire State Pride Agenda will be publishing a list of who voted which way on the NY State Senate Marriage Equality bill on their blog within the hour.

If you'd like to know how to contact your NY State Senator to let him or her know why voting yes for marriage equality and working to pass this bill in the future is important to you click here.

When transcripts or video of the Senate speeches become available I will post them, so check back with my column for that or subscribe at the top of my column, so you wont miss anything ever.

Read my interview with Robyn Ochs about her legal same-sex wedding in Massachusetts with wedding photos and video.