Cuomo optimistic of legal gay vows in NY

ALBANY -- Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, closely allied with the Senate Republican majority that once blocked gay marriage, said Tuesday he's now optimistic it will be legalized in New York.

"I know it's failed before, but I think this is a different day," Cuomo said. "I'll bring more urgency in the next few weeks."

The Democrat says he believes the Senate will produce the 32 votes needed for passage in the six weeks remaining in the legislative session.

The GOP majority in the Senate has strongly supported Cuomo's fiscal platform, including cutting state spending, a 2 percent cap in the growth of property taxes and rejection of tax increases.

Now Cuomo needs help to pass one of his highest priority policy goals.

Cuomo said talks with legislative leaders as well as the rising public poll numbers for gay marriage are among his reasons for optimism.

He is also spearheading a new, concerted effort by advocates for same-sex marriage.

The Senate's Republican majority plans to discuss the issue in a closed-door conference, after which the measure could go to a floor vote, said GOP majority spokesman Scott Reif. Republican Majority Leader Dean Skelos has said his members are free to vote their conscience, even though the Republicans usually vote in a bloc.

Both sides are girding for a showdown after the bill's surprising defeat in 2009.

More than 700 Protestant and Jewish clergy members endorsed same-sex marriage Tuesday through the Empire State Pride Agenda advocacy group, an attempt to blunt the opposition by Catholic leaders, Orthodox Jewish leaders, and conservative Protestant ministers.

A rally in support of legalization of same-sex marriage is planned for next week.

On the other side, Democratic Sen. Ruben Diaz, a minister, plans a May 15 rally in the Bronx for what he says is defense of traditional marriage between a man and woman.