Gay marriage will likely pass in NY-Just don't get cocky
Editorial Spotlight: Same-sex marriage: Ross Levi, Kevin Nix, Cathy Marino Thomas and Bob Zubrycki discuss marriage equality in New York State during a meeting with the LoHud. com Editorial Board, May 17, 2011. (Video by Melissa Elian)
HARRISON — Several key changes since 2009 make it far more likely the state will legalize same-sex marriage in New York during the final weeks of this legislative session, a panel of gay rights advocates told The Journal News editorial board today.
Ross Levi, executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda, said he's optimistic a bill will pass by June because there is now "mile-wide, mile deep" support for the measure.
While the Republican-led state Senate voted down the initiative two years ago, he pointed out, public support in New York for passage has jumped since then from 51 percent to 58 percent, according to the most recent polling. Meanwhile, state elections have resulted in a net gain of two senators who back gay marriage, and a new popular governor who is promoting the legislation.
"When you put those together, plus a united community working in coordination (for approval), it's a very strong environment," Levi said.
"We believe we'll be able to each that this session," agreed Cathy Marino Thomas, board president of Marriage Equality New York.
Kevin Nix, communications director of Human Rights Campaign,said marriage equality has become a mainstream, bipartisan issue, with support growing among political conservatives and members of the religious community. Hundreds of clergy members have signed a petition in favor of gay marriage in New York.
"They want to see loving, committed couples getting married," Nix said.
Bob Zubrycki, a Brewster pianist who joined the panel, said he hopes to marry his domestic partner of 20 years so they can gain various benefits afforded spouses.
"There are certainly a lot of rights we would enjoy that we don't have now," Zubrycki said. "As I'm about to turn 50, you start to think about, 'what if one of us gets ill?"
He joined other panelists in dismissing any talk of a compromise proposal that would allow civil unions, saying it wouldn't achieve equality.
"There's something very powerful in a marriage," Zubrycki said.
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