SYRACUSE -- Last minute preparations are underway for this year's CNY Pride Parade and Festival in Syracuse.
But when the annual flag raising ceremony outside of City Hall gets underway at 10:30 a.m., it could be the start of a major celebration.
Today, Governor Andrew Cuomo submitted his same-sex marriage bill to the legislature. It's expected to pass the Assembly and support is now growing in the Senate.
The Associated Press reports a second Republican senator will vote to legalize same-sex marriage, which appears to bring advocates one vote away from victory. Sen. Roy McDonald of Saratoga County says he will vote for same-sex marriage as a matter of fairness. Sen. James Alesi of Monroe County said on Monday he would vote for gay marriage when the bill comes to the floor.
We have reached out to several Republican senators who represent Central New York. So far, we've heard back from Sen. Joseph Griffo of Rome. His administration said he has not seen a copy of Cuomo's bill, but will review it overnight and likely have an opinion on it tomorrow.
This is all welcome news for Bruce Carter, President of CNY Pride. He tells CNY Central that passing this bill is, "long overdue."
Meanwhile, same-sex marriage is stirring a lot of debate on our Facebook page, with more than 750 people weighing in on the issue.
This was CNY Central's Facebook Story of the Day. Thanks to everyone who voted.
For more on the governor's bill, click here.