In Georgia, Simone Bell, an open lesbian won a runoff contest and will represent the 58th District in the Georgia State House.
“This is a tremendous victory for LGBT Georgians. Simone is a longtime leader in her community, and she will be a huge asset in the Georgia State House,” said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. – GayPolitics.
In Washington DC, Having garnered 10 co-sponsors, the Washington, D.C. marriage equality bill added one more supporter in a vote Tuesday, passing the first of two necessary votes 11-2. The District of Columbia City Council’s preliminary marriage equality vote constitutes the greatest consensus ever to occur in favor of marriage equality. Marriage equality bills passed in New England typically did so with the slimmest of margins and tremendous controversy. – GayPolitics.
In Atlanta, Alex Wan, an openly gay man, won a seat on the Atlanta City Council for District 6. On his website Wan wrote, I am both humbled and honored that my friends and neighbors in District 6 have given me their vote of confidence, and I look forward to serving as your voice in city government. It is especially heartening that such a diverse cross-section of people and organizations came together to give our campaign the kind of strength we needed to win.
Meanwhile across the state line in New York State, a vote on gay marriage in Albany is still having fits and starts. It was supposed to be voted on yesterday, then last night and now put off to today … maybe … could be … who knows.
I know when I was a kid the water at my great-grandparents house in Patterson tasted funny, but what is going on in Albany is ridiculous to say the least.
But the Empire State Gay Agenda says in an email, Just a few moments ago, the New York State Assembly passed marriage equality legislation for the second time this year in a bipartisan vote of 86 to 51. By taking a vote in what is called an “extraordinary session’, the Assembly has removed any obstacle to the bill being sent to the Governor for his signature if the Senate votes on the bill when it reconvenes tomorrow (Wednesday) to conduct business.
The Pride Agenda gives special thanks to the New York State Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Sheldon Silver, that has now voted and passed the marriage equality bill three times. Our thanks also to the legislation’s prime sponsor Assembly member Danny O’Donnell for leading the successful effort again on the floor.
It is anticipated that forces opposing marriage equality may be coming to Albany tomorrow to put pressure on the State Senate to take no action on the bill. We continue to expect the Senate to give this issue the respectful debate and vote it deserves.
Confidence is nice folks, but as they say don’t count your chickens before they hatch, and these chickens in the Albany chicken coop have a problem staying on the nest long enough to hatch eggs as it is.
