An AP source is reporting that Governor Paterson will introduce legislation this week, to legalize same sex marriage. Back in 2007, the state assembly passed legislation to legalize it. Assemblyman Sam Hoyt was a co-sponsor.

"The assembly has already made its statement in support of gay marriage, and now the question will fall to the senate what will they do," said State Assemblyman Sam Hoyt.

"I think it will be a very close vote in the senate, but I still think it is a couple of votes shy of passage," said State Senator George Maziarz.

Maziarz, who says he would vote no, questions the Governor's timing.

"He talks about this hot button social issue in order to divert attention away from his disastrous budget," added Maziarz.

"The Governor, having passed his budget, is now focusing on legislative initiatives that are priorities for him," added Hoyt.

Timing or not, Chris Voltz, a founding member of the Pride Center of Western New York, says this is long overdue.

"We are just asking for the same rights and responsibilities. There are responsibilities that go with marriage, as well as there are rights. But if my partner were critically ill in the hospital now, I would not have access with what is going on medically with that person," said Chris Voltz.

At the Chapel at Cross Point, the lead pastor says they welcome anyone who is committed the scripture. He, like Senator Maziarz, believes marriage is between a man and a woman.

"If the imposition comes on people who do what I do, and the government tried to mandate who we can or cannot marry, that would be a problem from my perspective," said Pastor Jerry Gillis.