Family Life

06.23.11 | Sarah Harnisch

More than 200 conservative activists protested at the State Capitol in Albany on Wednesday, demanding that traditional marriage be upheld. But at the end of the night, there was still no vote taken. A cautious Governor Andrew Cuomo's sounded a little less optimistic last night, saying, "There's only one way to find out -- when they call the vote. So there can be a lot of discussion and a lot of speculation, but until a person stands up and the vote is counted, you don't know."

The key sticking point seems to be legal protections of religious groups that could be hit with discrimination lawsuits if they refuse to allow their facilities for gay marriages. Jason McGuire, who is in the thick of things in Albany, says that's a talking point for senators. Most people of faith do not want gay marriage legalized in the state, with or without protections for religious groups. He says, "Regardless of the amount of amendment language that's included that's it's still a bad bill. And so we are not compromising. We believe that gay marriage should be rejected on the merit of the fact that marriage is between a man and a woman -- period." McGuire also says every day that goes by is a victory for our side.

Here is where we sit this morning -- there will be yet another rally on the steps of Albany starting at 9:30 A.M. Yesterday, Cuomo said today would likely be the last day of the legislative session. This gay marriage bill is just about the last thing on their desks. We will keep you posted on any votes.