On Same Sex Marriage, Cuomo Singing A Different Yet Familiar Tune

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo could be singing a different tune walking back comments he made yesterday the New Yorkers are entitled to a vote on the same sex marriage bill.

On the way to his office this morning, Dean Skelos, the Republican State Senate Majority Leader said Cuomo's comments yesterday are contrary to what he wanted in the first place.

I think the governor at one time said he didn't want a vote on marriage unless it was going to pass, Skelos told PolitickerNY. So, he's changed his tune. But we haven't conferenced that issue, and at some point, we will.

Skelos' comments come as Mike Long, the Conservative Party chairman called on Senate Republicans to refrain from conferencing the same sex marriage bill.

Once again, we urge you to stand strong for traditional marriage and not put a bill on the floor. Any bill that will harm our state should not be allowed a vote, Long said in a statement.

Originally submitted by Cuomo, the same-sex marriage bill, if passed, would make New York the sixth and largest state to allow gay nuptials. The bill awaits one more Senate vote to pass. Undecided senators have cited concerns over protections for religious groups and individuals as the factors that stagnate the negotiations.

On Tuesday, Skelos said a framework agreement is in place on all outstanding issues except gay marriage. Once there is an overall agreement on teh wording of the bill, gay marriage will be conferenced, said Skelos.

A vote on the measure has been delayed as legislative leaders and Governor Andrew Cuomo, who proposed the bill, have reached an impasse in negotiations over separate issues including rent control and a cap on property tax increases.