Here’s one of the first in a new series of ads from the Human Rights Campaign that feature prominent New Yorkers in politics and theater/movies making a pitch for the passage of a same-sex marriage bill, which failed in the Senate last December.

“New York is poised to be on the leading edge of marriage equality and New Yorkers are speaking out to make it happen,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese.

“We hope these high-profile New Yorkers spur every fair-minded citizen to make their voices heard on this critical equality issue.”

The spots are running on-line only at the moment, with possible on-air placement as the battle over marriage heats up again in Albany. Two ads were released today, featuring Julianne Moore and designer Kenneth Cole (who just so happens to be married to AG Andrew Cuomo’s sister, Maria).

The Democratic gubernatorial frontrunner has said this issue will be a priority during his first year in office – if he’s elected – although his record on LGBT issues has been called into question somewhat.

Also, much hinges on what happens in the battle for control of the Senate. Groups like Fight Back PAC, the HRC and ESPA have focused on ousting Democrats in today’s primary who joined the entire GOP conference in voting “no” last winter.

Among the targets: Queens Sen. Shirley Huntley (challenged by Lynn Nunes), Bronx Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr. (Charlie Ramos), and Buffalo Sen. Bill Stachowski (Tim Kennedy).

Another “no” voter, expelled ex-Sen. Hiram Monserrate, has already seen his return to the Senate rebuffed, although now he might become Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s problem, unless Francisco Moya can defeat him today for the seat formerly held by Assemblyman Jose Peralta, who replaced Monserrate in the Senate.

Supposedly, there were as many as four “yes” votes in the GOP conference. But if the chamber remains closely divided, with either party in control; or, (G-d forbid), deadlocks, it’s going to be tough to bring this issue back to the floor for passage.

Other ads will include cameos from: Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, Mayor Bloomberg, Tom Colicchio, Fran Drescher, Whoopi Goldberg, Moby, Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, Sunrise and Mark Ruffalo (also of anti-hydrofracking fame) and Rev. Al Sharpton.

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