One of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s top issues this session is same-sex marriage legislation, but he send Lt. Gov. Robert Duffy to speak at the Empire State Pride Agenda rally this morning and didn’t attend himself. Today’s event is believed to be the biggest rally in support of gay marriage at the Capitol.
Ross Levi, executive director of Empire State Pride Agenda, said the group was pleased Duffy was able to speak at the event and didn’t ask for a reason why Cuomo didn’t come personally.
“He’s literally going around the state and this is one of only three issues he’s talking about,” Levi said of Cuomo. “We’re thrilled with his support for marriage equality and LGBT equality.”
Levi said Cuomo’s campaign will take him to parts of the state where support for gay marriage is not as strong. “That’s actually where we need him,” he said.
The Assembly has voted twice to approve gay-marriage legislation. There was one vote in the Senate about 1.5 years ago, and the bill failed—it did not get a single Republican vote and a number of Democrats did not support it. At this time, there are two more “yes” votes lined up than in 2009. Four senators who were opposed last time are now uncommitted.
Asked why the rally is bigger this year than in past years, Levi said polls have shown a majority of New Yorkers are in favor of gay marriage. “When 58 percent of New Yorkers are on their side, it’s not hard to get up at 4 in the morning from Buffalo to get on the bus to come here, and from Long Island and Syracuse. The energy in our community is palpable because we can feel victory,” he said.