Guv meets with same-sex marriage advocates

ALBANY -- After meeting with Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo Wednesday, gay-rights advocates said they would press for "victory" on legalizing same-sex marriage this year, but signaled they would move cautiously to avoid a legislative defeat.

Cuomo, a Democrat, has promised to make New York one of a handful of states allowing gay marriage. But even in a state where polls show public support, the politics have proved difficult in the legislature.

Cuomo tried to assure advocates and lawmakers in the meeting that he would turn the tide, assigning his top aide, Steven Cohen, to lead the effort, said two people with knowledge of the discussion.

"To me this is more than just a piece of legislation," Cuomo said in a statement. "This is about the lives of people who I have known for many years, who currently are without the rights to which they are entitled."

But supporters are wary of repeating what happened in late 2009 when a gay-marriage bill with the support of Gov. David A. Paterson was voted down in the Senate, then controlled by Democrats.

Republicans who now control the Senate, 32-30, say they may wait until after budget negotiations are completed before allowing a vote on the issue, but as of yet, no bill has been introduced. In the Democratic Assembly, support is solid.

Advocates who met with Cuomo Wednesday said they would work to secure enough Senate votes for passage.

"We're not going to say when we're going to do anything," said New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn after the meeting. "Obviously it's something we want to see sooner rather than later in our great state."

Privately, activists say they would look to Long Island Republicans in moderate districts where gay marriage may have support. Two such senators, Jack Martins, the freshman from Mineola, and John Flanagan of Huntington, said Wednesday they opposed gay marriage.

The Conservative Party, which provided the margin of victory for Republicans in several 2010 races, may play an important role. Its chairman, Michael Long, said he has withdrawn support in the past from candidates who voted for gay marriage. "It's not everything, but this happens to be a key issue," Long said.

Advocates said they would work to change minds with personal stories of same-sex couples. "We want victory this year," said Ross Levi, executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda.