Paterson calls for marriage vote

Governor David Paterson has issued a proclamation that calls for the state Senate to hold a special legislative session on Tuesday to tackle marriage for same-sex couples, the growing budget deficit and other issues.

"There is never a wrong time or inconvenient time to debate human rights legislation because it's always the right time," Alan Van Capelle, executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda, said in a statement. "As long as a group of New Yorkers are being denied equal rights, addressing issues like marriage equality must always be a priority. Support for providing equal rights to LGBT New Yorkers has always been bipartisan, and we expect that this bill will be no different."

Cathy Marino-Thomas of Marriage Equality New York was more blunt in remarks she delivered at a rally last night in Union Square.

"We need to insist that Albany get off its ass and pass legislation that will protect the families of New York State," she said.

The obvious question remains whether lawmakers will actually vote on the marriage bill--or anything else for that matter. Stay tuned...