Metro

Gay-marriage push gives devout an out

ALBANY — Senators left town without voting on gay marriage yesterday, but Republican efforts to strengthen the bill’s religious protections — rather than kill it outright — buoyed supporters’ hopes that it will come up for a vote next week.

Gov. Cuomo reported “good progress” in meeting GOP demands for assurances that churches and religious groups won’t be forced to recognize marriages that conflict with their teachings — amendments to the bill that could secure an essential 32nd vote for the measure.

“I agree with the concept,” Cuomo told reporters outside his Capitol office. “I believe we can address their concerns without going over the line. You go too far and you can be discriminating against people.”

The dramatic week, in which five former gay-marriage foes in the Senate flipped in favor of the bill, left Cuomo “cautiously optimistic” that New York would become the sixth and biggest state to legalize same-sex nuptials.

The governor wouldn’t say when he expected the Senate to finally take a pivotal public vote on the measure, saying only it would become law “at the right time.”

The bill could come up as soon as legislators return Monday, but most observers agreed that Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Nassau) would delay any vote until all other business was completed. That way, any opponents and tie-breakers could quickly flee for summer recess with minimal scrutiny.

But the simple fact that opponents were willing to talk about legislative bill language gave eventual passage of the bill an air of inevitability among advocates and foes alike.

“We’re realistic to know the forces pushing this are very strong, they’re very well oiled, they’re well financed,” New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan told Albany’s Talk 1300-AM. “It’s not a done deal. There is a good chance that this is not going to pass.”

Behind the scenes, however, Church officials joined other religious leaders and Republicans to make sure any final bill included language that would let them refuse to accommodate same-sex marriages without risk of lawsuits or government action.

For instance, religious groups are concerned current provisions that protect religious organizations from having to accommodate gay weddings don’t also protect religious-run adoption agencies and foster-care programs.

They worry religious not-for-profits would be forced to rent out facilities for gay nuptials or provide family health insurance to the same-sex spouses of employees.

Holy war

What Senate GOP leader Dean Skelos wants:

A “conscience clause” to ensure that churches and religious groups don’t get penalized for actions such as refusing adoptions by or foster placements with gay couples.

What Gov. Cuomo wants:

No amendments that undermine existing civil-rights protections, or that allow discrimination against same-sex couples.

brendan.scott@nypost.com