Queens Tribune

In the wake of the defeat in the New York State Senate of legislation that would legalize same-sex marriage, the LGBT community is preparing to take on the five Queens State Senators who voted no on the bill in a political battle that could affect politics in every corner of the borough.

Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach), Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica), Hiram Monserrate (D-Corona), George Onorato (D-Astoria) and Frank Padavan (R-Bellerose) were among the 38 state senators who voted no to the bill on Dec. 2.

The top target for LGBT groups is Padavan, the lone Republican in the borough. Padavan barely survived a re-election campaign against Councilman Jim Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows). Since the vote, speculation has risen that outgoing Councilman and unsuccessful Democratic candidate for mayor Tony Avella (D-Bayside) would consider challenging Padavan. Avella’s council district includes Bayside and Whitestone, which have been Padavan’s strongholds. Avella supports same-sex marriage.

The next highest priority is the embattled Hiram Monserrate. Monserrate is already being challenged in the Democratic primary by Assemblyman Jose Peralta (D-Jackson Heights) even before the vote. Aside from his legal troubles stemming from his misdemeanor assault conviction, Monserrate had alienated Democratic supporters and leadership with his role in the “Gang of Three” coup in the state Senate in June that temporarily gave Republicans control of the Senate. Peralta has the support of the Queens Democratic leadership and the Empire State Pride Agenda, New York’s LGBT rights advocacy group.

“[Jose Peralta’s] record on LGBT issues demonstrates that he does not duck-and-run when our bills come up for a vote. He has stood up for us in the Assembly, and we will stand with him in his race for the State Senate,” said Alan Van Capelle, executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda.

“I will continue that fight when I get to the New York State Senate,” Peralta told a pro-marriage equality rally in Jackson Heights Monday. “I make that pledge to you tonight. I will continue to fight to make sure one day, sooner than later, we will have equal rights and we will have same-sex marriage in the state of New York.”

Onorato may also face a primary challenge or may retire completely. Onorato’s district, based in Astoria and Long Island City, has a thriving LGBT community. Onorato was lobbied strongly by LGBT rights supporters to vote in favor of the bill throughout the year. Outgoing City Councilman Eric Gioia (D-Sunnyside) is being targeted for a run, as is Assemblyman Michael Gianaris (D-Astoria). Civil Rights Attorney Jeremiah Frei-Pearson, who helped lead the effort to lobby Onorato in favor the bill, has also been mentioned as a candidate.

Huntley won her seat in 2006 after defeating the controversial Ada Smith, who also opposed same-sex marriage. Huntley said she voted no because she felt her constituents were against it. However, LGBT rights supporters argue Huntley would not face political repercussions if she voted yes since all Assembly members from her district voted yes. Huntley went on to endorse a statewide public referendum on the issue.

“I would fully support a referendum to allow the people of New York State to decide the issue.” Huntley said in a statement. She took on some of her critics who have been harshly rebuking her opposition to the bill.

“I applaud those of you who have questioned my position in a civilized manner,” Huntley continued. “However, to those few of you who have been insulting and even threatening, I will not be bullied.”

So far there is no indication on who may take on Huntley.

Freshman Addabbo presents the most interesting issue for LGBT rights supporters. Addabbo was strongly pro-gay rights while in the New York City Council and had received near $10,000 in donations and campaign help from the LGBT community in his race against Republican Sen. Serphin Maltese in 2008, a race that helped ultimately give the Democrats their Senate majority. Addabbo claimed he decided to vote no after talking with constituents. He said the feedback from his constituents was overwhelmingly against the bill and that regardless of his personal view on the issue, which he refuses to divulge, he felt he needed to vote as his constituents felt.

“I voted, again, the will of the people in my district,” Addabbo said at a press conference on the steps of City Hall Dec. 4.

Addabbo enraged LGBT rights groups, especially those who helped on his 2008 campaign, by suggesting he never promised a yes vote on same-sex marriage.

“I guess I would be a defector if, at some point, whether it being my campaign last year or at any point this year, I would’ve said, ‘Yes, I was going to vote for the marriage equality bill.’ But at no point did I ever say yes,” he said. LGBT rights groups claim Addabbo did in fact endorse same-sex marriage.

Addabbo’s district, previously held by a conservative Republican, includes a large number of traditionally socially conservative Catholics in Howard Beach, Glendale, Maspeth and Middle Village. The districts of Assemblyman Michael Miller (D-Glendale) and Assemblywoman Margaret Markey (D-Maspeth) make up the bulk of Addabbo’s Senate district. Both Miller and Markey opposed the same-sex marriage bill.

Reach Reporter Domenick Rafter at drafter@queenstribune.com or (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125.