Before the end of June, there's a very good chance that the New York Legislature will consider legislation to legalize same-sex marriage. As we've reported, there's a serious campaign underway to pass the legislation, working under the banner of New Yorkers United for Marriage. According to the Advocate's Julie Bolcer, the "chief strategist" for that campaign is Jennifer Cunningham, "a close Cuomo ally." Every indication we've gotten is that the Governor is fully engaged in this effort. Cuomo wants a victory -- and he plays to win.
Against that backdrop, the Empire State Pride Agenda is holding its lobby day in Albany today. They're busing people from across the state to the State Capitol. From ESPA:
Equality & Justice Day is the Pride Agenda’s annual advocacy day bringing the statewide movement together in Albany, and includes a rally, workshops, caucuses and an opportunity to speak directly with your legislator about the issues that matter to LGBT New Yorkers and our allies. It is also the largest statewide gathering of LGBT and allied New Yorkers and a unique opportunity to strengthen our ties and build the coalitions we need to win.ESPA is expecting over 1,200 New Yorkers from around the state to attend. Participants will be lobbying their legislators and there will be a rally at noon. We're expecting updates later today.
Meanwhile, courtesy of Jeremy Hooper at Good As You, we hear from Rev. Jason McGuire, leader of the opposition to marriage. He wants some kind of conversion from the bill's sponsors, openly gay Assemblyman Danny O'Donnell and Senator Tom Duane
That's what we're up against.
