After an all day marathon of closed door conference, Majority Leader Skelos just released this statement:
After many hours of deliberation and discussion over the past several weeks among the members, it has been decided that same sex marriage legislation will be brought to the full Senate for an up or down vote.
The entire Senate Republican Conference was insistent that amendments be made to the Governor's original bill in order to protect the rights of religious institutions and not-for-profits with religious affiliations. I appreciate the Governor's cooperation in working with us to address these important issues and concerns.
As I have said many times, this is a very difficult issue and it will be a vote of conscience for every member of the Senate.
Of course Skelos claimed it was a conscience vote last time and we all know how that went down. That said, I have a good feeling about this one. Honestly, I think the whole chamber would rather have this bill behind them for good, though the all day conference had me worried for a bit.
My guess is that marriage equality finally passes this time. Then it's off to the courts where the NOMs of the world will certainly challenge it.
UPDATE: Seeing credible reports that Lanza is a "nay." That hurts. He was one of the undecideds that I though we had our best chance with. No dice.
Not good. |
