Same-Sex Marriage Legislation Stalled By Conservative Party

Michael R. Long, chairman of the New York Conservative Party, is a deterrent to the legalization of same-sex marriage in New York.

According an interview by the New York Times, Mr. Long said, In order to get the endorsement of the Conservative Party, one of the deal breakers is traditional marriage. You say 'I'm not for traditional marriage,' you're not going to get our endorsement. It's as simple as that.

The significance of the Conservative Party's support is not a light matter. For more than three decades, no Republican has won statewide office without the Conservative Party's support.

The same-sex marriage bill has been well-driven in the Senate, but now is faced with a large block. In a counter attempt, gay rights advocates, with Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, seek for the bill's legalization before June 20, the end of this year's legislative session.

Prominent business leaders who support Republican candidates and causes have joined the gay rights cause in coaxing Republic senators whose support is needed for the legislation's passing. However, the Republican lawmakers are focused on Mr. Long.

Although fellow conservatives have tried to soften his position, Mr. Long said, I can't go around life making everything a deal breaker, in the New York Times' interview. But there are certain things that you have to stand for. If we don't stand for this, then why are we in business?