New York considers same-sex marriage

ALBANY, N.Y., June 14 (UPI) -- A shift by four state senators has improved prospects for legalizing same-sex marriage in New York, The Buffalo News reports.

State Sen. James Alesi, R-Rochester, Monday joined three New York City Democrats -- Carl Kruger, Joseph Addabbo Jr. and Shirley Huntley -- in announcing support for the legislation, which was defeated in 2009. All four lawmakers voted against legalizing same-sex marriage the last time it was considered in the state Senate.

Their change in position gives the measure 30 votes of the 32 it needs to pass in the Senate, the News said.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo told reporters in Albany he believes the votes are there for same-sex marriage.

"This is going to generate a lot of momentum," Cuomo said of the increasing support for the bill this year. The 2011 legislative session ends this month.

The latest version of the bill includes language that religious organizations aren't required to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies. Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont and Iowa all permit same-sex marriage.