After weeks of deadlock, the New York Senate passed an historic marriage equality bill late tonight by a 33-29 vote. Thirty-two votes were needed for passage.
New York joins Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and the District of Columbia in allowing same-sex couples to marry. New York also becomes the most populous state granting such rights.
The late-night vote on Pride weekend also gives "the national gay-rights movement new momentum from the state where it was born," reported the New York Times.
The New York Senate also becomes the first Republican-controlled legislative body in the nation to pass such a bill. Twenty-nine of 30 Democrats supported the bill. Four Republicans voted "yes."
The lone Democratic holdout: Ruben Diaz Sr., the rabidly anti-gay Bronx Democratic Pentecostal pastor who has a lesbian granddaughter.
The marriage equality bill was introduced by Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo on June 14th. The next day, the Democratic-led Assembly passed the marriage bill for the fourth time in as many years. Several religious protection amendments were added earlier today, requiring the approval of both chambers.
UPDATE: Cuomo signed the bill late Friday night. Marriage equality will become the law in 30 days.
Bravo New York. Next up: California and Maryland!
THIS IS FABULOUS! MILDRED LOVING WOULD BE PROUD!! NEXT UP GET........ CALI BACK!!!
Posted by: CHARITY | 24 June 2011 at 22:09
I love it, I love it! Yessir!
Posted by: Desmond | 24 June 2011 at 22:23
Aw shucks!! This makes me wanna move to NY, find me a handsome hunk, and marry him! I am a masculine, sports-loving type black gay man from the black church. I have one foot in the closet and the other out. With news like this, my other foot is inching toward freedom! By the way, I love your blog Rod. Thanks for all the posts that make me realize that I am great person and it's ok to be gay!!!!!
Posted by: Black GaY Dude | 24 June 2011 at 22:40
YES!!!!!!!!! I'm glad that scumbag Diaz (who just happens to be my state senator, BARF) didn't keep this from passing! BRAVO!! BRAVO New York!
Posted by: MW09 | 24 June 2011 at 22:51
BRAVO!!!!! Bravo New York!!! I'm so proud of my state!!
Posted by: MW09 | 24 June 2011 at 22:55
I'm in an Empire State of Mind!
Posted by: DFS | 24 June 2011 at 23:08
Great news! Proud to be a NYer. Hopefully the remaining states continue on the path of change.
Posted by: GymGamer | 25 June 2011 at 00:50
As a born and bred NY'ker I am PROUD with PRIDE. CONGRATS NY!
Posted by: MRCHOCOLATE615 | 25 June 2011 at 00:55
I just got a little verklempt looking at pictures of the Empire State building lit up in gay liberation rainbow colors!
Posted by: DFS | 25 June 2011 at 00:58
I don't live in New York though I do live in its honor tonight. I actually live in Missouri which a couple of years ago voted to permantently deny me of my human rights. I am proud and humbled by what has happened this evening!
Posted by: Larry | 25 June 2011 at 05:11
I'm so happy for New Yorkers! New York has huge Black and Latino communities. I honestly hope that many same sex couples of color will be able to become more visible as many pass through to get married! Wonder if folks will still aruge they need to be "educated" or need to see more visibility.
New York is a major capital center for the Papis and brothas.
Posted by: Account Deleted | 25 June 2011 at 07:11
What a terrific start to Rod's birthday/Pride weekend. Wonderful news for New Yorkers. Keep the momentum going!
Posted by: fff | 25 June 2011 at 07:24
HOORAY!!!!!
Posted by: DBarr | 25 June 2011 at 09:02
Let's Make More History!
Posted by: kirk | 25 June 2011 at 10:08
Its about time!
Posted by: ThatRealTea | 25 June 2011 at 10:27
Great News!!! I'm in an Empire State of Mind too! XX
Posted by: Mike | 25 June 2011 at 10:42
About damn time!! Should've happened a long time ago. Way to go NYC!!!
Posted by: Mikey-He Likes It | 25 June 2011 at 10:44
BRAVO...ONE STEP CLOSER TO A MORE EQUAL SOCIETY. KEEP IT MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION AMERICA!!!
Posted by: BLACK | 25 June 2011 at 11:53
Fantastic!
Posted by: Kevin | 25 June 2011 at 16:05
I'm rolling up my sleeves here in NJ!!!! Some new strategies have been discussed and it's FIGHTING TIME!!!!
Posted by: TheRevKev | 26 June 2011 at 00:11
Proud of my state, this was a great weekend in NY. Those politicians sure know how to play the timing game for maximum impact,..delay, argue, delay, delay, start of pride, pass bill!
Kev we're looking to you all in NJ to join us! We know Booker is with us, hope you can get Christie on board too. Godspeed!
Posted by: Procrastination_Xtravaganza | 27 June 2011 at 08:26