'Gay' marriage coming to New York?

'Gay' marriage coming to New York?
Gov. Spitzer unveils same-sex bill – Senate leader balks

Democratic Gov. Eliot Spitzer, following through on a campaign pledge, unveiled a bill Friday to legalize gay marriage in New York.

But the powerful Republican leader of the state Senate immediately declared himself still opposed to the notion of having New York join neighboring Massachusetts as the only states permitting same-sex marriage.

Noting a host of other recent proposals from the new governor, including one to overhaul the state's campaign finance laws, state Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno said: "This governor has his priorities wrong."

Bruno said that given the fatal shooting of a state trooper this week, Spitzer should be worried more about bringing back the death penalty for those who kill police officers and creating jobs. As Bruno spoke, Spitzer was headed to the Binghamton area to talk about economic development, an aide to the governor noted.

Bruno's continued opposition effectively blocks the measure from moving ahead in the state Legislature for now, a fact Spitzer is well aware of.

"I do not think there is a realistic shot that it gets passed, but I will submit it because it's a statement of principle that I believe in and I want to begin that dynamic," Spitzer had said earlier this week as he discussed his plans to introduce the measure.

"This legislation would create equal legal protection and responsibilities for all individuals who seek to marry or have their marriage protected in the state of New York," Spitzer said Friday in a statement announcing his action. "Strong, stable families are the cornerstones of our society. The responsibilities inherent in the institution of marriage benefit those individuals and society as a whole."

The move by Spitzer drew praise from supporters of gay marriage.

"Today is a watershed moment in our community's struggle to win the freedom to marry in New York," said Alan Van Capelle, executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda, New York's largest homosexual rights advocacy group.

State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has so far declined to announce a position on the issue of gay marriage.

Spitzer's action comes the day after the New Hampshire Senate voted to add the state to the growing list of those allowing civil unions. Gov. John Lynch has said he will sign the measure, which will allow same-sex unions in the Granite State as of Jan. 1.

Three other states already offer civil unions for gay couples: New Jersey, Connecticut and Vermont.

In New York, Spitzer is the most prominent Democrat to support same-sex marriage. Both Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Charles Schumer have said they instead favor civil unions.