Governor Paterson maybe down in popularity, but some groups are now praising him.
On April 16, Governor Paterson announced his plan to pass legislation allowing same sex marriage in the state of New York.
The law could change the lives of many members of the Syracuse community.
Central New York draws close to 6,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender every June for the Central New York Pride Parade and Festival.
Sean Maloney, Grad. Assistant, SU Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center, says the June celebration will have a certain charge of excitement this year.
"The festival is all about being comfortable in your own skin, being who you are whether people like it or not. It is great that New York is seizing the moment and being right there with new legislation," Maloney said.
But not all of the Syracuse GLBT community is excited about the way Gov. Paterson is handling the legislation.
"Some people feel a little mixed about the legislation, the way Paterson has introduced it, without any co-sponsors is done in a way that demeans the process," Maloney said.
Maloney touched on the legislation hitting a delay in the state legislature, waiting for the democratic majority leader to secure 32 more votes, which caused some tension amongst the community.
But, Member of the Syracuse City government say they are ready to meet the challenges of a future law.
"The city clerk issues the marriage licenses so we will meet the needs of same sex marriage licenses as well," John Copanas, City Clerk, said.
Despite the timing of the same sex marriage legislation, interfering with hot topics in the nation such as the economy and foreign policy, Maloney believes it is always time to deal with civil rights.
"I think everyone deserves to be married. Everyone should have the opportunity," Maloney said.
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