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Democrats took control of the New York State Senate in last month's elections, but with only a two-seat majority. However - Senators Rubén Díaz Sr. and Carl Kruger and Senator-elect Pedro Espada Jr. - collectively nicknamed "The Gang of Three" - have not pledged their votes to supporting Malcolm Smith, the Senate’s top Democrat. Mr. Smith needs their votes to become majority leader when the Senate meets in January.
So today the New York Daily News reports that Smith has struck a handshake deal with the Gang. Among the details: "A bill to legalize same-sex marriage will not be brought to the floor of the Senate for a vote this year."
I think Empire State Pride Agenda director Alan Van Capelle stated it best: "We would expect that any rumors that marriage equality was somehow a part of this deal are just that—rumors. Civil rights should never be a bargaining chip in any political leadership battle, and we would be outraged if the issue of marriage equality was even part of the discussions."
So today the New York Daily News reports that Smith has struck a handshake deal with the Gang. Among the details: "A bill to legalize same-sex marriage will not be brought to the floor of the Senate for a vote this year."
I think Empire State Pride Agenda director Alan Van Capelle stated it best: "We would expect that any rumors that marriage equality was somehow a part of this deal are just that—rumors. Civil rights should never be a bargaining chip in any political leadership battle, and we would be outraged if the issue of marriage equality was even part of the discussions."
