The prospects of gay marriage becoming
law in New York dimmed considerably with a GOP takeover of the state
Senate.
On Monday, Republican Bob Cohen
conceded to Democratic Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, who'll represent the
people of New York's 37th Senate District. But
Republicans also gained a seat over the weekend after a State Supreme
Court justice rejected a request by incumbent Senator Craig M.
Johnson for a hand recount, resulting in the victory of Jack Martins.
Johnson, however, has said he'll appeal the decision and has secured
a Tuesday hearing.
Democrats gained a 32-30 majority two
years ago, but now Republicans will control the chamber – even if
Johnson prevails.
The chamber killed a gay marriage bill
last year after the Assembly approved the measure and Governor David
Paterson promised to sign the bill into law. Eight
Democrats joined all 30 Republicans in voting against the measure.
Pointing to comments from the Senate's
presumptive senate majority leader, Dean Skelos, that he's open to
putting the bill up for a vote and the November 2 win of
Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo, a gay marriage supporter, backers remain
optimistic that New York will become the next state to legalize the
union.