Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Paterson Believes Gay Marriage Bill Will Pass
By
Jen Chung
Published Oct 23, 2009
Modified Oct 23, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Oct 23, 2009
Modified Oct 23, 2009
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
At the Empire State Pride Agenda's fall dinner last night, Governor Paterson said that he thinks the gay marriage bill will pass, proclaiming that "as a result of a law we will pass in the New York Senate, already passed in the Assembly, and [gay marriage] will be signed by the governor, just in the next few weeks."
Earlier this week, Paterson announced he would put the bill in front of the Senate during next week's special session. He had proposed the bill back in April, and the Assembly passed it in in May, but the bill was placed on the back burner after the Senate coup. However, the Senate is notoriously split on the issue and Paterson doesn't have much juice to twist Senators' arms.
Alan Van Capelle, executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda, implored the Senate to actually vote on the bill, "Senator John Sampson, you are the leader of the State Senate. Senator Tom Duane, you have told us on multiple occasions you have the votes to pass this bill. Give us the dignity, the rights and respect we deserve. Bring this bill to the floor for a debate and a vote."
Tagged
gay marriage
governor paterson
same sex marriage
state senate
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
With election 3 weeks away, Hochul and Blakeman to square off in lone NY governor debate
The hourlong debate is the candidates’ best chance to sell their competing visions to New York voters ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
By
Jon Campbell
Published Oct 13, 2026 at 6:30 a.m. ET
NYC's taxi union teams with Uber, hedge fund to demand healthcare 4 driver deaths
New York city's taxi workers want lawmakers to use a surcharge that goes to the MTA to pay for a health fund for drivers.
By
Stephen Nessen
and
Ramsey Khalifeh
News
NYC's taxi union teams with Uber, hedge fund to demand healthcare 4 driver deaths
New York city's taxi workers want lawmakers to use a surcharge that goes to the MTA to pay for a health fund for drivers.
By
Stephen Nessen
and
Ramsey Khalifeh
Man shot by ICE in NYC still has bullet lodged in neck, attorneys say
By
Liam Quigley
NY measles spread prompts 'disaster' emergency. It didn't have to be this way, health commissioner says.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
NYC wants to move deliveries onto the waterways. It's starting with a 55-year-old boat.
By
Liam Quigley
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .