WATCH LIVE: DISCUSSION BEGINS ON SENATE FLOOR IN NEW YORK

The marriage equality bill will go to the floor of the New York Senate for a vote, announced Senate majority leader Dean Skelos on Friday.



A vote is

expected later tonight on the bill, which has been delayed in the Republican-controlled Senate since passing the Democratic-controlled Assembly last week.



Most

of the members oppose the bill, but only one more vote, which must come

from a Republican, would be needed for the measure to pass on the floor. If approved, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver has indicated that the proposed

religious exemption amendments would be acceptable to his chamber, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo has long said he'd sign a bill.



Bookmark this page to watch live video from the proceedings. --Julie Bolcer