We still don't know the results of the amazing efforts from the LGBT community in our attempt to achieve marriage equality in New York and New Jersey through the legislative process. Unfortunately, as we wait the outcome, some of the lessons are beginning to hit home. Without question, the struggle for LGBT civil rights is a low priority on most legislative agendas. Once again, Democrats are questioning if this is the right time and arranging votes so they don't look like they are taking action on our rights before 'more important votes and issues.'

What can be more important than the civil rights of hundreds of thousands of New Jersey and New York citizens that have been denied equality for far too long?

In New York, we have seen votes on our civil rights delayed and delayed again. First we had to take a back seat to personal power struggles within the political parties over the summer months. Forget our freedom, who is going to be in charge and head what committee seemed tantamount. Recently we had to fight to even ensure a vote before the end of the year. Finally the leadership has given us its word that we will have a full, fair and honest vote on this issue. However, they don't want to make our civil rights seem more important than other issues so we have had to wait and wait while their sad political struggles continue. Can't even begin to imagine where we would be in New York if it wasn't for the consistently brave and strong leadership of embattled Governor David Paterson and the amazing work of ESPA and its allies.

In New Jersey, in-coming Republican Governor Christie has promised marriage equality will not happen on his watch. The cowardly governor-elect has even promised a 'constitutional amendment' to the State Constitution if necessary. Because the polls on marriage equality are close in New Jersey and because Democrats took a beating in the last election, they have suddenly indicated how it would send the wrong message to voters if they pushed marriage equality even though Governor Corzine says he will sign it. Wrong message? Freedom and equality is the wrong message? The Democrats didn't lose because of us, they lost because of their own behavior.

One thing for sure, if the powers in Albany fail to deliver on their promise it will be a major blow to LGBT citizens, another huge wedge between Democrats and the LGBT community and a push us further to traditional civil rights actions. The Democrats in New Jersey are already telling us that maybe our freedom might have to wait until after Christie.

These two states will be crucial tests for our community on how to proceed with future strategies. Will they confirm that all our political work has been for good or will they force us to chose a major traditional path where we will have to disrupt business as usual in order to get this nation's attention?

Time will tell.