You know the score in New York – 24 state Senators for equality against 38 bigots and weak-kneed wafflers (plus one possibly-closeted hater). But in a reliably blue state, where much of the population is from a reliably progressive city, why did so many fence-sitters side with conservatives? Jacob Gershman, of New York Magazine, lays the blame on proponents of the same-gender marriage bill:

It didn’t help that the Democrats responsible for corralling the votes were less than suited to the job. Senator Tom Duane of Chelsea is the gray-haired lion of the local gay rights community. But as his meandering, choked speech on the floor suggested, his appeals to his resistant colleagues were emotional, and not aimed at their colder sense of prudence. The Senate leader, John Sampson, who endorsed the legislation only when he assumed his leadership role this year, has proven to be a skilled conciliator but not an enforcer. He and his aides were seen scrambling for votes minutes before the count. Governor Paterson is in such a weak position now that he’d have better luck herding cats than getting the Democrats to head in one direction or another

This wouldn’t be the first time that semi-competent political leadership has hamstrung political fights for LGBT rights, and it’s little secret that Paterson was partly pushing the same-gender marriage issue as a way to salvage his falling political fortunes, rather than because he had a solid position. Queerty lights that bag of dog shit on fire, snidely suggesting that Duane and others’ anger is at their own ineffective leadership.

Of course, the only proper response to this latest defeat is secession. We’ve tolerated the oppression of our marriages long enough! OutFront Colorado seems to have a workable plan – take over California, Oregon, and Washington, and lead us in a fabulous fight to secede from a country that does not want us. (h/t Joe.My.God)

Elsewhere…

California – Two of the six candidates to replace the outgoing Episcopal Bishop of Los Angeles are openly queer. If you remember, the election of Bishop Gene Robinson to the Diocese of New Hampshire is slowly splitting the Anglican communion apart. (The Associated Press)

New York – Corduroy skirts are a greater sin than gay sex. (BoingBoing)

Virginia – Domestic partner benefits to be extended to same-gender couples employed by the state. (The Advocate)

D.C. – The Obama administration still has no plans to stop kicking teh gays out of the military, even when forces are stretched thin and 30,000 more soldiers are being sent to Afghanistan in the coming months. (Queerty)