NEW YORK: Sen. Ruben Diaz Kills Attempt To Allow Same-Sex Tax Filings

Two weeks ago openly gay New York state Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell sponsored an addendum to the state budget that would allow legally married same-sex couples to jointly file their state income tax returns. Senate Democrats need their full one-vote majority to approve the budget, but arch homophobe Sen. Ruben Diaz threatened to derail the entire mega-billions funding package unless O'Donnell's amendment was removed. Today Senate Democrats caved to Diaz' demand and excised the amendment. Yet another win for Rev. Diaz.

RELATED: Please consider throwing a few dollars to Diaz' 2010 reelection opponent Charlie Ramos. Diaz has strong support in his Bronx district, but November is still a long way away and as we know, ANYTHING can happen in New York Senate politics.

O'Donnell Intro's NY Marriage Bill

Openly gay New York State Assemblyman Danny O'Donnell (Rosie's brother) introduced Gov. Elliot Spitzer's gay marriage bill to the state Assembly yesterday. The bill, which is expected to come to a vote in the next few weeks, needs 76 votes to pass. The Empire State Pride Agenda says 69 members have indicated support, 48 are undecided, and 33 have voiced oppostion. The bill will face much stronger opposition in the state Senate. O'Donnell's district covers the Upper West Side of Manhattan.