Tide Turning? Former NY GOP Leader Now Supports Gay Marriage

Former State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno said he now supports legalizing same-sex marriage, a change of heart that could influence Albany lawmakers.
The 80-year-old, who retired last year as the state's most powerful Republican, said he now sees the issue as a civil right.
"As a Republican, I believe in personal freedom," Bruno said in a written statement. He said support of the measure by Democratic Gov. David A. Paterson, a friend and longtime collegial adversary in the Senate, helped him change his mind. Two years ago, Bruno blocked a version of the bill that the Democrat-led Assembly had passed.See Tide Turning? Former NY GOP Leader Now Supports Gay Marriage