Statement By Austin Shafran, Spokesman For Senate Majority Leader Malcolm A. Smith

“Last night the Senate Majority Leader reiterated his support for gay marriage when he spoke at the HRC Dinner.

Senator Smith said that at the present time he does not believe there are sufficient votes in the Senate to pass the marriage equality bill which passed the Assembly last year. He asked for those attending the dinner to help him secure the additional votes needed for passage.

The Majority Leader did not say the marriage equality bill will not pass this year. He said it will pass as soon as the votes can be secured and he is committed to continuing that process now.”