New York Votes 'Yes' To Gay Marriage

New York, birthplace of the American Gay Rights Movement in the 60s, is now the 6th and largest state to legalise same-sex marriages.

But what's more significant is how the vote came about, in which Republicans broke ranks and voted with Democrats in a rare bi-partisan push, the sort that has hampered the Obama administration.

The 33-26 vote was credited to 4 Republicans who joined the majority of the state senate's Democrats to pass the bill. This NYT article wrote:

"But after days of contentious discussion capped by a marathon nine-hour closed-door debate on Friday, Republicans came to a fateful decision: The full Senate would be allowed to vote on the bill and each member would be left to vote according to his or her conscience."

The Hallmarks of a representative government when statesmen understand that they function to represent the wishes of their constituents. Voting along party lines undermines the essence of why we elect candidates to represent our wishes, the wishes of the people, at the National level. It is more telling that elected representatives to the state understood "according to his or her conscience" to mean "the conscience of my constituents", giving voice to the people's wishes.

Proof? Here's an apology by Sen. Grisanti who for years campaigned against same-sex marriage but switched camps late in the game:

"With his position still undeclared, Senator Mark J. Grisanti, a Republican from Buffalo who had sought office promising to oppose same-sex marriage, told his colleagues he had agonized for months before concluding he had been wrong.

“I apologize for those who feel offended,” Mr. Grisanti said, adding, “I cannot deny a person, a human being, a taxpayer, a worker, the people of my district and across this state, the State of New York, and those people who make this the great state that it is the same rights that I have with my wife.”

In a country where voting against party lines, even if it is "against one's conscience" is barred and those who do face suspension (even abstention from voting may bring about disciplinary party action), where will we evolve in our own maturity of what it takes to run a first class nation?

Then again, Mr. Grisanti's change of heart isn't all sugar-coated with sugar, spice, all things nice. It's a tactical manoeuvre that's helped build Republican connection with more liberal, youthful voters, and changing perceptions of people towards same-sex unions. Even Democrats could never pass a bill when they controlled the Senate, the move boosts Republican credibility and hints to the public of a more liberal element in its conservative lining. A nice touch. Cream on the cupcake. (Was that a pun there? Yes, I think it was...)

After all, elections are up soon... With Obama's dwindling support with an unlawful Libyan war, a fractious front of the GOP with no credible candidate against the presidency (dear God, haven't we had enough of Palin? Hasn't she had enough of herself?).... this move by Republicans can only bring them that much closer to narrowing the polls divide.