Gay marriage vote will happen tonight

Before it adjourns tonight, the state Senate will vote on a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos just announced.

Here is his full statement:

After many hours of deliberation and discussion over the past several
weeks among the members, it has been decided that same sex marriage
legislation will be brought to the full Senate for an up or down vote.

The entire Senate Republican Conference was insistent that amendments
be made to the Governor’s original bill in order to protect the rights of
religious institutions and not-for-profits with religious affiliations. I
appreciate the Governor’s cooperation in working with us to address these
important issues and concerns.

As I have said many times, this is a very difficult issue and it will
be a vote of conscience for every member of the Senate.

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