Christine Quinn, the Speaker of the New York City Council, was featured on CNN's State of the Union program this weekend. The subject of the conversation was the legalization of gay marriage and when ceremonies will be performed in culturally progressive New York. We may have to wait, alas. Ironically, although Speaker Quinn is openly gay and one of the most powerful politicians in the city, she cannot marry her partner, Kim Catullo.

Last month the New York Assembly passed legislation allowing same-sex marriages. Now the question moves to the state Senate before New York City itself can move forward. Maggie Gallagher, president of the National Organization for Marriage, opposes gay marriage. "We are now working in 24 Senate districts," said Gallagher on CNN's State of the Union on Sunday. "We know we have generated thousands of phone calls to legislators. I don't think they will be passing a gay marriage bill this session."

Perhaps the bill will not pass this session -- and that would be a terrible thing -- as New Yorkers are still very closely divided on the issue. But a Quinnipiac poll last month offered up a bright spot. Survey participants aged 18-34 back same-sex marriage by a 61-33 margin. Further, participants 35-54 support it by a 48-44 margin. It was voters 55 and older that oppose gay marriage, 55-37. What does this tell us? "Young people are for this," Quinnipiac University Polling Director Mickey Carroll said. "If the gay advocacy groups are patient, they're going to win."