2010 Election Update: Huntley vs Nunes (Democrat Primary)

Sentator Huntley and her Democrat Challenger, Lynn Nunes

City Hall News reports that the Empire State Pride Agenda and the Human Rights Campaign, two of the state’s most prominent gay rights groups, are poised to throw their weight behind Lynn Nunes in his primary challenge to State Sen. Shirley Huntley.  As Senator Huntley was one of eight state senators who voted against the "Marriage Equality Legislation" back in December of 2009, these endorsements do not come as a surprise.

Regardless of the aforementioned endorsements, and to keep this matter in context, it must be remembered that Senator Huntley, unlike many of our other elected officials, actually took the time to explain her "no" vote on this leislation immediately after she cast it when she explained...

I firmly believe that my vote against the Marriage Equality legislation reflects the wishes of the vast majority of my constituents. With that being said, I also firmly believe that any decision on Marriage Equality should, ultimately, be made by the people of New York State, not the Legislature. I would fully support a referendum to allow the people of New York State to decide the issue.

The State of New York is diverse and its citizens will often disagree. I applaud those of you who have questioned my position in a civilized manner. However, to those few of you who have been insulting and even threatening, I will not be bullied. We cannot and should not advocate for tolerance only when it benefits us. Again, we should allow the people of the State of New York to decide the issue of Marriage Equality.