New York Senator James Alesi has told Albany NYT Bureau Chief Danny Hakim that marriage equality will be coming to a vote tonight in the Senate.

Majority Leader Dean Skelos has confirmed that it will come to the floor: "Gay marriage will come to the floor of the Senate for an up-or-down vote."

Said Skelos in a statement:

After many hours of deliberation and discussion over the past several weeks among the members, it has been decided that same sex marriage legislation will be brought to the full Senate for an up or down vote.

The entire Senate Republican Conference was insistent that amendments be made to the Governor’s original bill in order to protect the rights of religious institutions and not-for-profits with religious affiliations. I appreciate the Governor’s cooperation in working with us to address these important issues and concerns.

As I have said many times, this is a very difficult issue and it will be a vote of conscience for every member of the Senate.

Statement image below (via @david howard king)

Timing is uncertain, as there are other measures to be voted on.

Towleroad will be posting a livestream of the Senate. Please join us to watch.