Conservative groups around the state have fiercely opposed the same-sex marriage bill, and some have promised to attack or support state lawmakers based on their vote.
The National Organization for Marriage vowed last month to spend $1 million in primary elections to support Democrats who vote against New York’s gay-marriage bill and to challenge Republicans who vote for it.
“We want to be sure those courageous Democrats and Republicans who cast their vote of conscience in favor of traditional marriage will have a strong supporter if the radical gay activists come after them in their next election,” said Brian Brown, president of the nationwide anti-gay marriage group, in a statement on May 10.
The state’s Conservative Party, whose endorsements can prove critical to candidates in swing districts, threatened to withhold support for any Republicans who vote for the bill.
“You can’t tell the people of the state of New York that you’re on the Conservative Party line,” says Shaun Marie, the party’s executive director, “then not support what those values are.”
