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Manhattan Senator Will Introduce New Gay Marriage Bill, Report Says

By Della Hasselle | January 18, 2011 7:26am | Updated on January 18, 2011 7:28am
Gov. Andrew Cuomo pictured in Albany, N.Y., Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo pictured in Albany, N.Y., Thursday, Dec. 11, 2008.
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AP Photo/Mike Groll

By Della Hasselle

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

MANHATTAN — The topic of gay marriage is back, and some politicians are reportedly hoping that Governor Andrew Cuomo will live up to his vow to legalize it.

Manhattan State Senator Thomas Duane said he'll introduce new legislation to legalize same-sex marriage "within weeks," and he and other supporters are hoping that Cuomo's support will push the legislation through, the New York Daily News reported.

"I think everyone is aware that we have to make the lives of New Yorkers better in every way — economically, as well as to provide equality to New York families," Duane told the paper.

Cuomo called for the legalization of gay marriage in his State of the State address earlier this month. Since then, he has promoted Erik Bottcher, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn's liason to the gay community, to a community affairs cabinet position, the paper reported.

Some officials feel that Cuomo's recent ratings are also a positive sign that he could garner support for the controversial bill. After Cuomo's State of the State address, his favorability ratings skyrocked to 70 percent, according to a recent Siena poll.

"I think the governor is starting in a strong political place with the people on his side and the wind at his back," Ross Levi, executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda, told the News.

Gay marriage has previously faced a tough fight in the GOP-controlled Senate. 

Despite the support of several Manhattan senators, the senate voted 38 to 24 against passing a same-sex marriage bill in 2009.