Schumer Comes Out In Support Of Gay Marriage

By: Grace Rauh

To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

New York's senior senator reversed course Monday by coming out in support of gay marriage. NY1's Grace Rauh filed the following report.

It's an about-face for Senator Charles Schumer -- a promise to support gay marriage and work to repeal the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

But just a day after unveiling his new position to gay leaders, Schumer didn't exactly offer up a ringing endorsement of gay marriage when asked about it upstate on Monday.

In a statement earlier in the day, Schumer said, "It's time. Equality is something that has always been a hallmark of America and no group should be deprived of it. New York, which has always been at the forefront on issues of equality, is appropriately poised to take a lead on this issue."

Those in support of gay marriage say Schumer's new position comes at a critical moment.

"For him to stand up and say that he's going to make sure everyone is fully equal under the law is really remarkable. And political support like that, you really can't even measure it, it is so significant," said City Council Speaker Christine Quinn.

"With his support today, every single statewide official in New York State supports marriage equality. There is a momentum moving in favor of treating gay and lesbian couples equally and so I think this continues the momentum," said Empire State Pride Agenda Executive Director Alan Van Capelle.

But some of that momentum appeared to hit a hurdle earlier this year.

After Democrats took control of the State Senate for the first time in decades, many had expected that gay marriage might be quickly legalized. It's now clear though that there aren't enough votes to get it through.

But advocates are banking on the fact that Schumer will help them win over lawmakers.

"Knowing that Senator Schumer will campaign for them if they feel like they are in a difficult spot for reelection, I think matter," said Van Capelle.

But the real impact of his support will only be seen in the coming months as advocates lobby legislators, urging them to come out in favor of gay marriage.