NY Senate Fails To Take Up Gay Marriage

The Associated Press reports:

New York's Republican Senate again failed to take up Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo's bill to legalize gay marriage after another marathon session Thursday and protests by hundreds of demonstrators.

Negotiations have dragged on for two weeks over what could be a pivotal moment in the national gay rights movement.

Gay rights supporters have secured legal marriage status for same-sex couples in Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Iowa and the District of Columbia, and are hoping a gain in New York will give them greater momentum.

Thursday, Senate leader Dean Skelos abruptly ended the session just before 11 p.m. for the "health of the members," who were awaiting the printing of bills not expected until after 4 a.m.