Why do I feel like I've been thrown under the bus AGAIN?

[angledge]

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."

Comments

[love2loveher.livejournal.com]

I'm really disgusted at how acceptable it has been in this election cycle to throw gay rights under the bus in order to, maybe not gain, but not be set back politically.

It is like when Joe Biden danced around the issue in the VP debate - he was so comfortable assuring everybody that he didn't want to legalize Gay Marriage.

For politicians to embrace the issue, it has to stop feeling like it would be the political kiss of death. To do that, the majority of the people have to be comfortable with the idea. And that feels so unlikely.

I know how badly you were hoping (needing?) the legalization in New York, and I'm sorry that it looks like the direction it is heading. I'll be hoping that these are merely rumors, as well.