8 undecided senators hold the fate of same-sex marriage bill in New York

The fate of same-sex marriage in New york now rests on 8 senators who are undecided on the issue.

Out of 62 state senators, 8 indicated their status as undecided, while 26 senators say yes to, and 28 senators are opposed to gay marriage.

As the bill requires 32 votes to pass, the 8 votes on the fence are crucial in determining the fate of same-sex marriage in New York State. The proposal will pass if most of 8 undecided voters support it.

Seven of the eight undecided senators voted no in 2009.

Among the 8 are 5 Republicans; Senator Roy McDonald, Greg Ball, Jim Alesi, Stephen Saland and Kemp Hannon, and 3

Democrats; Senators Shirley Huntley, Joe Addabbo and Carl Kruger.

Republican Senator Jim Alesi refused to declare his position, though he said he had made up his mind.

New York is a major state in the battle over same-sex marriage. Its population surpasses than the combined populations of the five states that have legalized gay marriage; Iowa, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Washington D.C.

Many unions in New York state have declared support for same-sex marriage legislation.

The stakes are high this year for a successful vote, since it is unlikely the measure will be pushed next year when all 212 state lawmakers are up for re-election, according to NY1.

The legislative session is scheduled to end on June 20.