New York's state Assembly debates gay marriage bill
Associated Press - June 19, 2007

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A bill to legalize same-sex marriage in New York was debated in the state Assembly this evening.

The measure is sponsored by the openly gay brother of entertainer Rosie O'Donnell and supported by Governor Spitzer.

Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell predicted he would have more than the 76 votes needed to win approval of the measure in the 150-member Democratic-controlled chamber. But the bill is not expected to be acted on anytime soon in the Republican-led state Senate.

In opening debate on the Assembly floor, O'Donnell told his colleagues that civil unions, a process permitted in neighboring Vermont, just wasn't good enough.ew York's state Assembly debates gay marriage bill. the rest