NY Senate begins debating same-sex marriage bill

By By MICHAEL GORMLEY, Associated Press Writer

Story Created: Dec 2, 2009 at 1:07 PM EDT

Story Updated: Dec 2, 2009 at 4:17 PM EDT

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York's Senate has begun debating a bill
that would legalize same-sex marriage.

If the Senate approves the measure in a vote expected later Wednesday, New York would be on the way to becoming the sixth state where same-sex marriage will be legal. Gov. David Paterson has said he supports the measure and it has already passed in the state Assembly.

But the outcome of the Senate vote remains in doubt.

Senator Liz Krueger, a Manhattan Democrat and a leader in the majority, says the legislation will need Republican votes to pass because of opposition from some of the chamber's 32 Democrats. The bill needs 32 votes in all for passage.

Same-sex marriage is legal in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts and Vermont. A New Hampshire law legalizing the practice takes effect next year.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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