ALBANY—The debate on the same-sex marriage bill in the State Assembly began at 4:52 p.m., with bill sponsor Assemblyman Danny O'Donnell calmly answering questions from Assemblyman Jack Quinn.
Their exchange was respectful, and at times funny. The first strong position was taken by Assemblyman Mike Fitzpatrick, a Long Island Republican, who opposed the bill because he said it would force organizations or public accommodations with a religious belief—say, a Knights of Columbus Hall—to accept same-sex couples. His exchange with O’Donnell grew heated.
“By conferring a marriage license, we are saying that marriage is equal for heterosexuals as well as homosexuals,” Fitzpatrick said.