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NY inches toward action on its gay marriage bill

By Associated Press

Story Created: Jun 22, 2011 at 9:53 AM EDT

Story Updated: Jun 22, 2011 at 9:53 AM EDT

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Protection for religious groups is the last
major issue to be worked out in the ongoing negotiations over a
bill that would legalize same-sex marriages in New York state.

Senate Republicans and Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo plan
Wednesday to resume talks over legal protections sought by religious groups who fear they'll be hit with discrimination lawsuits if they refuse to allow their facilities to be used for gay weddings. If an agreement is reached, the Republican-led Senate could decide to send the bill to the floor for a public vote, or kill.

That floor vote could be as soon as late Wednesday or Thursday.

The Democrat-led Assembly is ready to adopt the religious protections.

Action was held up Tuesday as legislative leaders wrapped up a mega-deal on other issues.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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