Mayor Michael Bloomberg is warning state lawmakers that if they oppose legalizing gay marriage they may be remembered as civil rights obstructionists.
Bloomberg argues in a speech Thursday that same-sex marriage should be legalized. The New York City mayor equates those who stand against it with those who opposed the abolition of slavery and fought against giving women the right to vote.
Bloomberg has been a vocal supporter of legalizing same-sex marriage. He visited Albany earlier this month to lobby state lawmakers who are considering the issue. City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, who is gay, accompanied him.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been pushing the Legislature to make gay marriage legal, but well-funded conservative and religious opposition has struck back.
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Associated Press Writer Frank Eltman contributed to this report from Garden City, N.Y., and Associated Press Writer Michael Gormley contributed from Albany, N.Y.
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Samantha Gross can be reached at www.twitter.com/samanthagross
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