Gay Rights Vet Bullish on N.Y. Marriage

Veteran gay rights activist Ethan Geto spoke with WNYC FM and expressed his confidence that the marriage equality bill will pass when senate leaders bring it to the floor as promised before the end of the year.

Geto, an activist since the 1970s and adviser to numerous elected officials on LGBT issues as a political consultant, reiterated his statement that Democrats would face severe political consequences if they fail to vote on marriage equality. Gay donors contributed at least $1 million to help install the Democratic majority in the state senate in 2008.

"I said if they don't make a commitment to call up this bill, there will be hell to pay, and the Democrats would suffer tremendously by the disaffection of gay leaders, gay activists and gay donors," said Geto.

He also expressed confidence that the required 32 votes exist to pass the bill, despite speculation that the figure hovers around 25.

"We've got the votes," said Geto.

Listen to the interview here.