The Sullivan County Human Rights Commission, the members of which are appointed by the Sullivan County Legislature, issued a press release on May 9, saying the commissions supports Governor Andrew Cuomo and other s who are pressing for passage of the Marriage Equality act. The act would legalize same-sex marriage.

The release said the commission supports the proposed law “in order to provide the gay community here in Sullivan County and throughout the State of New York the same right to marry as every one else. We are informed that it will be a close vote.”

The release came on a day when NY Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy made an appearance at a rally in Albany with more than 1000 demonstrators who were showing support for the act.

Duffy told the crowd, “This is not a political issue. This is not about Republicans and Democrats. Marriage equality is an issue of civil rights, a basic issue of civil rights.”

Several news articles noted that Duffy made an appearance, but not Governor Andrew Cuomo, who has long been a strong supporter of same-sex marriage rights, questioning the governor’s continued support. Duffy, said, however, “Nobody in this state should ever question or underestimate Governor Cuomo’s commitment to marriage equality.”

In previous years, the state assembly has passed marriage equality legislation, but it has been blocked by the senate, where all Republican members have voted against it, as well as a few Democratic ones.

It's not clear when the vote will take place, but previously Cuomo said he would like to sign the law before the end of the session in June.

The Human Rights Committee urged county residents to contact Senator John Bonacic, who is opposed to the legislation, and provided his phone number 8345/344-3311, and E-mail address, bonacic@senatestate.ny.us.