I woke up Tuesday afternoon to some very sad news. After several months of delays and deliberate avoidance of the issue, the New York senate failed to pass the marriage equality bill, 34-28. 8 Democrats joined the Republicans in voting 'No' that would allow same-sex couples the right to marry in the Empire State. It was very disheartening and in my sleep-wake state, I was crushed and I cried inside myself. I don't understand why these people do not understand.
There was an impromptu rally that night at Times Square TKTS steps but I didn't have enough time to prep. I went to work with such a heavy heart. I was determined to join another rally the next night this time in Union Square. I would stop by on my way to work so I made sure I slept early that day.
I made it to Union Square at about 6:20 pm. By the time I got there, Sen. Duane, the proponent of the bill, expressed his outrage, especially of the 8 Democrats who defected to the other side. There was a big cry on voting these people out in the next primary. There is this lady who intends to run against one of the senators who voted 'No' and promised her support of the bill should she be elected. There was an overall feeling of anger and frustration in the crowd. It was a pretty good turnout, too. Maybe more than a thousand.
The bill is most likely to be voted again in 2011. Right now, the efforts are directed towards voting for officials who will support the issue and ensuring the 8 Dems are out of office. I'm not sure what my role is gonna be just yet, but just like the phone banking that I did a few months back, I'm pretty sure I'll be up to something.
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