NEW YORK CITY -- Governor David Paterson escaped the Senate struggle in Albany to support a cause he said is important for the rest of the state to accept.

Paterson served as the Grand Marshal at the Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Pride March down 5th Avenue in New York City.

It's the second consecutive year he's served in that position, becoming the first Governor in state history to take part, last year.

Paterson said it's time New York follows the lead of others when it comes to the marriage equality bill.

"Well my thoughts are that we should have marriage equality in New York State. Six other states already have it. The people in this state I think want it. And it's the right thing to do. It's a civil right for individuals who just want to bond themselves in marriage for the rest of their lives,” said Governor David Paterson.

Paterson said he can't predict when the Senate will break the stalemate or when the bill will be passed, but the bill is on the calendar whenever legislators are ready.