Is New York Senator Mark Grisanti
preparing to introduce a gay marriage bill in the Senate? And if he
is, do we have pop singer Lady Gaga to thank?
Nearly four weeks have passed since
openly gay Democratic Senator Tom Duane announced he would
reintroduce a gay marriage bill in the Senate “within weeks.”
Albany insiders have suggested Duane is
looking for a Republican to sponsor his bill in the GOP-led Senate
before moving forward.
On Friday, Lady Gaga called out
Grisanti for his opposition to gay marriage in the Empire State,
according to The Buffalo News.
The 24-year-old Born This Way
singer told her fans during a Buffalo performance: “There's a
senator here in Buffalo that's on the fence about whether or not to
vote for this particular bill and I would like to give you all his
e-mail. His name is Senator Mark Grisanti.”
She offered a similar sentiment on
Facebook: “Buffalo, we need SEN. GRISANTI to help pass NY STATE
MARRIAGE BILL e-mail grisanti@nysenate.gov
#IwasBornThisWay.”
In 2008, Grisanti told constituents, “I
am unalterably opposed to gay marriage.”
Doug Curella, chief of staff and
spokesman for Grisanti, suggested
in a statement that Grisanti is considering altering the
unalterable.
“Lady Gaga is a terrific world
renowned performer, entitled to her opinion. That is why our country
is so great because you have the opportunity to have your voice be
heard, and reach out to your local representatives.”
“But Senator Grisanti has already
reached out to the local chapter of Marriage Equality New York, and
is meeting with them next week.”
“Additionally, I have personally met
with Outspoken for Equality in Albany, and we had a very informative
and constructive conversation. We look forward to learning more
about their issues and concerns with regards to Same-Sex Marriage.”