Just hours after Governor David Paterson announced that he's introducing a same-sex marriage bill, religious leaders vowed to block the initiative's passage.
"The church's position, from ancient times til the present, one truth, consistent truth that marriage is a faithful, exclusive union between one one man and one woman," said Msgr. Robert E. Zapfel of St. Leo's Church in Amherst.
For a second time, a proposal to legalize same-sex marriage will go before the state senate and assembly. In 2007, the assembly passed the bill, but it died in the senate.
Now, Democrats have control of both houses, but not every Democrat is willing to vote yes.
Senator Ruben Diaz, a Democrat from New York City, will vote no.
"I met today with close to 100 Hispanic ministers. We are coordinating through the month of May a massive demonstration against Governor Paterson," Diaz said during a telephone interview with Eyewitness News.
For Governor Paterson, a long-time supporter of gay rights, it's a political gamble. With his approval ratings at an all-time low, he's hoping to ride the momentum of other states that have recently allowed the practice, including Iowa and Vermont.
"We stand to tell the world that we want equality for everyone," the governor said during a New York City news conference Thursday morning. "We stand to tell the world we want marriage equality in New York State."
Buffalo resident Russell Hurlburt and his partner have been together for two decades and were joined in a civil ceremony in 1997. They're looking forward to making it officials if marriage becomes a legal option for them.
"to be able to take that stand and claim my civil rights as a human being ... is worth celebrating," Hurlburt said.
But that celebration may have to wait, with both sides of the controversial issue pledging to put every available resource towards victory.
Twitter
Facebook