Paterson Calls Special Session, Plans to Address Gay Marriage

New York, NY —

Governor David Paterson is calling a special session of the state Senate for tomorrow, and he says he plans to bring the gay marriage bill to the floor.

PATERSON: Interesting ideas or controversial pieces of legislation have always come to Albany to die. We're changing the culture here. We're going to give a hearing to those issues that the people want the legislature to deliberate on.

The governor has the power to call a special session, but can't force lawmakers to vote.

The governor reversed his position from yesterday when he said he wasn't sure if the gay marriage bill would come to a vote. A strong opponent of the measure, Bronx Senator Ruben Diaz, says he'll fight it. A spokesman says Diaz remains committed to the Democratic party.