Many Republicans and conservative Democrats promised their constituents they would do something about the controversial law allowing same-sex couples to legally unite. Some broadening of the law to include other relationships might be considered, but repeal won t pass the Democrat-controlled Senate. A constitutional amendment can t be considered until 2003. Supporters of a bill to repeal the controversial civil-union law and replace with a benefit plan that covers homosexual couples and relatives who can t marry overcame the procedural hurdle that could have killed the measure. As a result, debate on the bill will begin Wednesday.
Some lawmakers plan to amend the proposal to simply repeal the civil union law.
The bill has been sent to the House Ways and Means Committee, which will review the fees included in the proposal. The House Judiciary Committee will try to finish writing a bill Tuesday that would repeal the civil-union law and replace it with a program allowing family members who can t marry and homosexual couples to form partnerships that would make them eligible for many of the benefits granted to married couples. Committee Chairwoman Peg Flory, R-Pittsford, said opponents of the bill on the committee asked to hear from two witnesses from insurance companies before the panel votes on the bill. She hoped they could be heard early in the week. The House bill banning gay marriage lands in the Senate this week and will be sent to the Judiciary Committee for review.