CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
The leader of New York's Republican-controlled state senate said lawmakers will return to session in December to pass the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act, a move that could bolster Gov. George Pataki's reelection drive. Majority Leader Joseph Bruno said Tuesday that the senate will also try to reach deals with Pataki and the Democrat-led state assembly on other bills that have been stuck in legislative limbo for months and even years. Pataki has long called for passage of the gay rights bill but has been criticized for not getting the senate to pass it. SONDA, approved earlier this year by the assembly, would protect gay men and lesbians from abuse, harassment, and discrimination in employment, housing, and public services. Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver said the promise of Republicans' passing the bill is an "election-year gift" to Pataki. The 25,000-member Empire State Pride Agenda, the bill's principal advocate and the largest gay rights group in the state, is expected to announce its gubernatorial endorsement on Friday. "I think this is the breakthrough we've been fighting for for over three decades," said Matt Foreman, ESPA executive director. In a statement Tuesday, Pataki praised Bruno for bringing the senate back to the legislation. He said he hopes the assembly also returns and that deals can be struck on other bills.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Meet all 37 of the queer women in this season's WNBA
April 17 2024 11:24 AM
Here are the 15 gayest travel destinations in the world: report
March 26 2024 9:23 AM
21+ steamy photos of Scotland’s finest gay men in Elska Glasgow
February 01 2024 10:07 PM
More Than 50 of Our Favorite LGBTQ+ Moms
May 12 2024 11:44 AM
Conjoined twins Lori Schappell and trans man George Schappell dead at 62
April 27 2024 6:13 PM
Latest Stories
Joe Biden sends queer lawmakers & LGBTQ+ allies to Paris Olympics
July 24 2024 12:08 PM
Kamala Harris rides wave of Democratic energy at kickoff event in Wisconsin
July 23 2024 3:36 PM
'Devastated:' A six-week abortion ban will go into effect in Iowa next week
July 23 2024 2:28 PM
Four hours, 44,000 Black women, and one Zoom call
July 23 2024 2:17 PM
Record 1.2 million people show out for Cologne’s Pride parade
July 23 2024 10:51 AM
Here's how far-right activist Leonard Leo helped fund Bud Light boycott
July 23 2024 10:27 AM
Elon Musk’s comments about his trans daughter prove why she doesn’t speak to him
July 23 2024 9:16 AM