Marriage Equality Fails In NY Senate

Marriage equality failed today in the New York Senate after a years-long battle to bring the issue to a vote. The final tally: 24 YES, 38 NO. Among the surprises was a "no" vote from Queens Democrat Sen. Hiram Monserrate, who had previously been a vocal supporter. In October, Monserrate narrowly escaped a felony assault conviction for slashing the face of his girlfriend with a broken glass. Monserrate's NYC office: (718) 205-3881. His Albany office: (518) 455-2529.

UPDATE: I've just spoken with the Albany staff of Sen. Ruth Hassell-Thompson to express my appreciation for her unexpected support and for her touching speech about her gay brother. I did the same for my own Sen. Liz Krueger. It's easy and necessary to express righteous outrage to our opponents, but it's equally important to thank those that so publicly and eloquently stand up on our behalf.

UPDATE II: A protest about today's vote will take place in Times Square at 6PM on the steps of TKTS booth.