Marriage Equality in New York hit yet another possible road bump yesterday when Republicans seized control of the New York state senate. The power grab by Republican senator Dean Skelos was made possible when Democratic senators Pedro Espada Jr. and Hiram Monserratte crossed party lines in a 32-30 vote to unseat Democratic Sen. Malcolm Smith. This now makes Republican Dean Skelos majority leader of the senate and Pedro Espada temporary president of the senate. A spokesman for Sen. Tom Duane, sponsor of the senate version of the bill to allow same-sex marriages, said he was unsure how the shift in power would affect the vote on marriage equality. “It’s rather stunning, but way too early to tell,” he said. Before today’s events, the senate had until June 22, the last day of the legislative session, to vote on the bill. Sources say it's possible that the current session may now be extended. Dean Skelos has stated that he opposed the marriage equality bill, but has also previously said that he would allow his party colleagues to vote their conscience. For their parts, Sen. Espada has publicly stated his support for allowing gay couples to marry, according to polling by NY1. Sen. Monserrate is currently listed as undecided. (via The Advocate)
