Wednesday, June 22, 2011
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York state legislative leaders say they’re working through the proposed additional religious protections that could bring a gay marriage bill to the Senate floor for a vote.
No deal had been struck as of this afternoon.
Republican Senate leader Dean Skelos and Democratic Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver say after meeting with Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo progress is being made and no major obstacles are in sight.
More protection for religious organizations such as adoption agencies and marriage counselors is sought by undecided Republican senators who are key to the vote.
Currently, the Senate appears to be one vote shy of making New York the sixth state where gay marriage is legal. It’s viewed as a critical moment in the national gay rights movement.
The measure could be voted on late tonight.