New York State Senator Thomas Duane
will introduce a gay marriage bill “within weeks,” the New
York Daily News reported.
The
news comes hot on the heels of Maryland State Senator Rich Madaleno
telling On Top Magazine that he'll introduce similar
legislation this week. A
gay marriage bill has also been introduced in Rhode Island.
Duane said he'll press for a vote
before the end of June.
“I think everyone is aware that we
have to make the lives of New Yorkers better in every way –
economically, as well as to provide equality to New York families,”
Duane told the paper.
Gay marriage backers in Albany are
hoping Governor Andrew Cuomo's support for the legalization of gay
marriage in the Empire State will translate into victory.
Supporters
cheered Cuomo's appointment of Erik Bottcher, New York City
Council Speaker Christine Quinn's liaison to the gay community, to a
newly created cabinet post of special assistant for community
affairs.
The appointment is proof Cuomo intends
to support the effort, gay activists said.
A gay marriage bill backed by
then-Governor David Paterson was soundly defeated in the Senate in
2009. Voters in New York handed the Senate reins to Republicans on
November 2, dimming the prospects even further.