A bill for gay marriage in New York seemed to be in for a close, but now that the Republicans have recruited two Democrats, Senators Pedro Espada, Jr (Bronx) and Hiram Monserrate (Queens), and staged a coup d’etat against Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith, the bill is in trouble.

The Democrats have held a close majority since January (32-30), thanks in part to billionaire B. Thomas Golisano. But because of his frustration with Smith’s proposed taxes on the wealthy, Golisano plotted with Republicans to take Smith out of power. They have given both Espada and Republican Dean G. Skelos majority leadership.
Democrats argue the move is illegal. Smith, Espada, and Skelos all lay claim to the position.

Espada and Monserrate left the Democrats because of issues with the budget, not with gay marriage. Espada is even a cosponsor of the bill, and maintains he will push for its approval. Monserrate is undecided. Many point out that the two are under investigation; the former for fraud, the latter for assault.

Governor Patterson disapproves of the plot, but has not expressed willingness to counteract.

Before January, Republicans controlled the senate for 40 years. Republican control may no longer allow even the gay marriage bill to a vote.