Former New York Senate Maj. Leader now favors gay marriage

[WillParkinson]

Former New York Senate Maj. Leader now favors gay marriage

(Albany) Former New York Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno said he now supports legalizing same-sex marriage in New York, a change of heart that could influence the measure’s chances in the state Senate.

The 80-year-old Republican, who retired last year as the state’s most powerful Republican, tells The Associated Press he now sees the issue as a civil right.

“As a Republican, I believe in personal freedom,” Bruno said in a written statement. He said support of the measure by Democratic Gov. David Paterson, a friend and longtime collegial adversary in the Senate, helped him change his mind about same-sex marriage. Bruno blocked an earlier version of the bill that the Democrat-led Assembly passed two years ago.

“I opposed same-sex marriage largely because the overwhelming majority of my caucus opposed it,” Bruno stated. “As a relatively conservative Roman Catholic, I instinctively view marriage as the foundation of the family.

http://www.365gay.com/news/former-new-york-senate-maj-leader-now-favors-gay-marriage/

[saltpoint]

1. I hope Bruno's endorsement carries some weight in the current State

Senate, and I hope they'll pass the legislation, thereby making Anita Bryant's head explode. Equal rights for everyone -- it's not just for straight folks anymore.

[TheWraith]

4. Enh. He's pretty well hated by everybody.

The Democrats hate him for hundreds of millions in illegal spending of tax dollars on Republican campaigns and outright fraud against the government. The Republicans hate him because he got caught and lost them all that.

[Smarmie Doofus]

2. Principled leadership, republican style:

>>>>“I opposed same-sex marriage largely because the overwhelming majority of my caucus opposed it,” Bruno stated.>>>>

[NewYorker83]

3. I believe this

is just a tactic to get gay groups to pressure every one back into session. Since the coup, the Senate has been shut. They just better put it to a vote before the session expires soon.