ALBANY, N.Y. -- New York lawmakers rejected a bill Wednesday that would have made their state the sixth to allow gay marriage, disheartening advocates stung by a similar decision Maine voters made last month.
The New York measure failed by a wider-than-expected margin, 38-24, in the state Senate. The Assembly had approved the bill earlier, and Gov. David Paterson, perhaps the bill's strongest advocate, had pledged to sign it.
New York also doesn't allow civil unions, but has several laws, executive orders and court decisions that grant gay couples many of the rights married couples enjoy.
The vote comes after months of delays and arm-twisting of lawmakers who are sympathetic to the bill but represent conservative districts.
Gay marriage is legal in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts and Vermont. A New Hampshire law allowing it will take effect Jan. 1.
"It's certainly disappointing," said Richard Socarides, a 55-year-old Manhattan lawyer and resident who is former President Bill Clinton's senior adviser on gay rights. "I'm surprised that it was not closer."
Sen. Eric Adams, D-Brooklyn, challenged lawmakers to set aside their religious beliefs. He said he leaves his Bible at the door when he's in the Senate chamber.
"That's the wrong statement," said gay marriage opponent Sen. Ruben Diaz, a fellow Democrat and minister from the Bronx. "You should carry your Bible all the time."
Diaz was the only opponent among the 38 to speak. Eighteen senators gave impassioned speeches.
Source:freep.com/
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