New York State Capitol by New York Chief Judge Judith Kaye. April 2008: Governor David Alexander Paterson pledges in a speech that he will continue to push for full marriage equality for LGBT New Yorkers. May 29, 2008: It is widely reported on this day that Governor David A. Paterson directed all state agencies to begin to revise their policies and regulations to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions. "In a directive issued on May 14, the governor's legal counsel, David Nocenti, instructed the agencies that gay couples married elsewhere 'should be afforded the same recognition as any other legally performed union.'" Opponents of same-sex marriage raise the possibility of a legal challenge. June 3, 2008: Governor Paterson's directive is challenged as both premature and unconstitutional in an Article 78 proceeding filed by the Alliance Defense Fund on behalf of several state legislators and conservative leaders in New York. September 2, 2008: The Alliance Defense Fund suit is dismissed in State Supreme Court in the Bronx, with a finding that Governor Patterson acted within his powers when he required state agencies to recognize same-sex marriages from outside NY State. September 8, 2008: The Alliance Defense Fund appeals Judge Billings' decision. November 4, 2008: On Election Day, the Democratic Party gains a majority in the New York State Senate. November 22, 2008: Monroe County announces that it will not pursue any further appeals of the Appellate Division's decision. December 2008: A deal is made among certain Democratic senators that would ensure the election of Malcolm Smith as Senate president pro tempore, making him the chamber's leader; reports indicate that as part of the deal, Senator Smith agreed not to bring same-sex marriage legislation to a floor vote in the Senate during the 2009–2010 legislative session. December 10, 2008: Malcolm Smith breaks off his alleged agreement with three Democratic dissidents and confirms that he will not pledge to hold off on a same-sex marriage bill in the upcoming session. Senator Smith states that "real reform cannot and should not ever include limiting the civil rights of any New Yorkers." This places control of the Senate by the Democratic Party in doubt, despite its slight numerical majority. January 7, 2009: After reaching an agreement with three Democratic dissidents, Malcolm Smith is voted Senate Majority Leader. April 16, 2009: Governor Paterson officially introduces same-sex marriage legislation and vows to push for its passage.