Gov. David Paterson announced a plan to legalize same-sex marriage in New York Thursday.

The governor said the legislation would end discrimination against gay couples in the state, but experts say it has a slim chance of actually passing. Similar legislation was introduced in 2007, but failed to pass the state Senate.

"We have in our country a code and an honor and a duty to make sure that equality exists for everyone,? Paterson said announcing the bill before supporters.

Gay rights supporters like longtime partners Dan Pinello and Dr. Lee Nissensohn, of East Hills, call Paterson their hero because of the move. Last year, the couple tested the law and public mood when they applied for a marriage license at Oyster Bay Town Hall and then refused to leave when they were denied. They eventually did get married in California, before the passage of Proposition 8.

Paterson?s bill will face a vocal opposition, despite having Democratic majorities in the Assembly and Senate. Democratic state Sen. Ruben Diaz (The Bronx), for one, vows to block the bill. Long Island's seven republican senators oppose gay marriage, but Democrat Craig Johnson (Port Washington) favors it. State Sen. Brian Foley (D-Blue Point) said he wants to ?carefully review the bill." Religious groups and organizations like the American Family Association are lining up against the bill.

Same-sex marriage is legal in Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa.