With a vote of 33-29, the NYS Senate approves Marriage Equality bill after adding religious exemptions. The bill was already passed by NYS Assembly on June 16, 2011 with a vote of 80-63. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the bill just before midnight June 24, 2011, making the effective date of the law July 25, 2011. Republican Senators Steve Saland from Poughkeepsie and Mark Grisanti, Republican from Buffalo who were previously undecided, voted yes for the bill, breaking an anticipated 31-31 tie vote.
This makes NYS the sixth and largest State in the US to legalize same-sex marriage.
Thank you Governor Cuomo, Marty Rouse, Human Rights Campaign and Troy City Councilman Ken Zalewski for your relentless efforts to get this bill passed. Special thanks to Congressman Paul D. Tonko for his support!
What a great way to celebrate LGBT Pride month!
We have come a long way!
Congratulations
Thank you Robert, this is a victory for human rights!
CONGRATS!!
Thanks!
Finally, jeesh! Congratulations Jerry!
I received this email from Alderman Joe Isabel today:
Gerald,
Congratulations on your victory in Albany. You were honorable and a
gentleman when you spoke in front of the Common Council. I respect you very
much.
Alderman-Joe