The New York State Senate voted 24-38 on Dec 2 against a bill that would have allowed gays and lesbians to marry in the Empire State.

The long-delayed vote came on the heels of more than two hours of passionate and even emotional debate on the Senate floor.

“Provide me with the exact same rights as you have Madam President and each and every member of the New York State Senate has,” openly gay state Sen. Tom Duane [D-Manhattan,] who initially introduced the bill, said. “It would make me equal in every way to everyone else in this chamber.”

State Sen. Diane Savino [D-Staten Island] was among those who applauded Duane as she spoke in support of marriage for gays and lesbians.

“We have nothing to fear from Tom Duane and [his partner] Louis,” she said. “We have nothing to fear from [state Assemblymember] Danny O’Donnell and his partner. We have nothing to fear from love and commitment.”

State Sen. Ruth Hassell-Thompson [D-Mount Vernon] spoke about her gay brother as she announced her support of the marriage bill. She also discussed those who continue to oppose nuptials for same-sex couples based on their religious convictions.

“Nobody elected me… to be the moral arbiter of their decisions,” Hassell-Thompson said. “They did ask me to provide leadership and the rights for all of the people I serve.”

Senate President Pro Tempore Malcolm Smith [D-St. Albans] was more blunt. “What is wrong is not knowing what the Bible says and retreating to it,” he said.

From www.edgeboston.com

The New York State Senate voted 24-38 on Dec 2 against a bill that would have allowed gays and lesbians to marry in the Empire State. The long-delayed vote came on the heels of more than two hours of passionate and even emotional debate on the Senate floor. “Provide me with the exact same rights [...]

On October 10-11, 2009, we will gather in Washington, D.C. from all across America to let our elected leaders know that now is the time for full equal rights for LGBT people. This is simply a major national strategy to kick start our national grassroots Equality Across America campaign. We will gather. We will strategize. We will march. And we will leave energized and empowered to do the work that needs to be done in every community across the nation. This is only the beginning.

On October 10-11, 2009, we will gather in Washington, D.C. from all across America to let our elected leaders know that now is the time for full equal rights for LGBT people. This is simply a major national strategy to kick start our national grassroots Equality Across America campaign. We will gather. We will strategize. [...]

Harvey Milk was the first openly-gay man to be elected to public office in the US in 1977. His most recognized speech, “You Cannot Live On Hope Alone,” was given in 1978, shortly before he was assassinated. His words resonate particularly today as Californians debate a resolution to ban gay marriage.

Other Sources:

http://www.harveymilkstory.com/movie.html

Harvey Milk was the first openly-gay man to be elected to public office in the US in 1977. His most recognized speech, “You Cannot Live On Hope Alone,” was given in 1978, shortly before he was assassinated. His words resonate particularly today as Californians debate a resolution to ban gay marriage. Other Sources: http://www.harveymilkstory.com/movie.html