NY marriage vote today

NY marriage vote today

UPDATE: 6.30PM The New York Senate did not find time for the same-sex marriage bill on Thursday.

However indications are that New York Republicans are now comfortable with the bill’s wording regarding religious exemptions and a vote is expected on Friday which will be some time during Saturday morning Sydney time.

7.45 AM The New York senate is poised to vote on legislation which would pave the way for gay marriage today.

It is understood the bill, which was passed by the state assembly last week, has undergone some amendments at the request of Republican officials.

The legislative session was scheduled to end on Monday, but was extended to ensure a number of bills including the same-sex marriage bill would be completed.

According to AFP, if the vote takes place, it will happen at about the the same time US President Barack Obama gives a speech in New York at a gala to raise funds for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community.

“There are some other pieces of legislation that have to be finished before. It’s likely to be on the floor late today,” one legislative spokesperson told the news wire service.

It is understood the changes to the bill address legal protections for religious organisations.

The bill does not compel any member of the clergy to conduct same-sex marriages, but some Republican lawmakers are concerned the legal protection is not strong enough.

The document needs 32 votes out of 62 to be adopted. Earlier this week 31 senators had expressed their support for it.

If the law passes, New York would become the sixth and most populous state to approve gay marriage.

Currently, Iowa, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont permit same-sex marriage.

States such as Hawaii, California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington DC and New Jersey offer civil unions to same-sex couples, but not marriage rights.

According to a March poll, the majority of Americans are currently in favor of allowing gay marriage, 53 percent to 44 percent.

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