Amidst New York State Senate Chaos, Where Is Tom Duane?

Gay City News
June 10, 2009
Is Tom Duane, the out gay Chelsea Democrat, thinking about joining Pedro Espada, Jr., of the Bronx and Hiram Monserrate of Queens in supporting Republican Dean Skelos of Long Island as the majority leader of the New York State Senate? When asked if he could dispel stories that the GOP had reached out to him, he responded, "I have spoken to people on both sides of the aisle about seeing every issue accomplished that I have spent my whole life working to accomplish." During all the chaos of the past few days, one quiet player has been the the Empire State Pride Agenda (ESPA). Alan Van Capelle, ESPA's executive director, said in a press statement, "Our issues are not partisan issues. It is time to bring marriage equality to the Senate floor and have members vote their conscience. We urge the Senate to schedule these votes as soon as possible before the end of the legislative session." [Link]