Slow start: No rush for same-sex weddings in Vt.

After the civil unions law took effect July 1, 2000, there were 1,704 civil unions established in the next six months, including 405 in July alone. Out-of-state residents accounted for 78 percent of them -- with most involving people from New York, Massachusetts and California, according to state vital records. Nearly 69 percent were between female partners. The slow start to the same-sex marriag...

Newsday • Aug 29, 2009

Gay couples call on NY Senate to OK equal marriage

Sen. Thomas Duane (D-Manhattan) and his partner, Louis Webre, cited similar difficulties. Duane is the primary sponsor of the equal marriage bill and Monday predicted passage before the legislative session ends on June 22. "Already there are enough votes for it to pass and a cushion," said Duane, the only openly gay senator....

Newsday • Jun 2, 2009

Equality bill evokes unity in NY

After nearly four hours of what many consider the best debate Albany has seen in at least a decade, the Assembly approved O'Donnell's bill 89-52. The margin of victory is growing - the measure passed 85-61 in 2007 - and, more importantly for supporters, the bill drew support from some contrite lawmakers who previously opposed the bill....

Newsday • May 16, 2009

Paterson: Same-sex marriage is civil right

Newly installed Archbishop Timothy Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York said he would challenge any efforts legalizing same-sex marriages in New York. The bill also appears to lack the necessary support in the state Senate. Paterson has seen a same-sex bill fail before in Albany. In 2007, when Paterson was lieutenant governor, then-Gov. Eliot Spitzer's gay-union bill passed the Assembly. It died...

Newsday • Apr 16, 2009

Poll: Half of NJ voters support gay marriage

About half of New Jerseyans believe that gay couples should be allowed to marry, according to a new poll....

Newsday • Feb 19, 2009

Smith: Deal off with dissident NY Senate Democrats

Smith said the three renegades were motivated by "personal interests." He also said he wouldn't subject civil rights issues to negotiation, referring to a proposal backed by many Democrats to legalize gay marriage....

Newsday • Dec 10, 2008