After recapping the ups and downs of lgbt equality in last week's election, today's New York Times issues a strong push for movement on marriage in New York and New Jersey. In New York, the State Senate could act as early as Tuesday. In New Jersey, we need movement before Corzine leaves office:
The big battlegrounds now are New York and New Jersey. New York’s governor, David Paterson, has called the Legislature back to Albany. The budget crisis heads the agenda, but gay rights must be there, too. The Assembly has already approved legislation giving same-sex couples the freedom to marry. Democratic leaders need to allow debate to proceed, and rally the Senate’s 62 members to follow suit.If you live in New Jersey or New York call your legislators ASAP.
In New Jersey, Gov. Jon Corzine’s loss to Christopher Christie means that the Legislature must move urgently to approve marriage equality. Mr. Corzine has said he would sign the bill. Mr. Christie has said he would veto it. Legislators must act before Jan. 19, when the government changes hands.
In New York, State Senators need calls. For New Yorkers, the Empire State Pride Agenda (ESPA) has a site that will connect you to your State Senator here.
In New Jersey, all you need to know can be found on the website of Garden State Equality (GSE), which needs three minutes of your time to call legislators.
In each state, there is a short window for success. So get calling if you live in NY or NJ. You know the Mormons and the Catholic Bishops are in overdrive.
And, we're not forgetting D.C. We'll have more on that effort in the City Council this week, too.
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