June 24, 2011
By: Christine Nicco/Online Report
NOM issues threats via Twitter. New Yorkers must remain vigilant.
In a long Senate session, close to 11 p.m. at night, the state of New York and its Senators made history for same-sex couples living in the Empire State. New York sent a strong message for the freedoms of all of its the people.
In a vote in which some Republican Senators, like Republican Mark Grisanti, changed his vote after mentioning that he had done “much research” on the issue. He was quoted in the New York Times as saying: “A man can be wiser today than yesterday, but there can be no respect for that man if he has failed to do his duty,” Mr. Grisanti told his colleagues.”
As the last Senator spoke, Sen. Carl Kruger, “people that care can truly make a difference … I vote yes,” the results were provided to the large public watching the live hearing from the New York Senate’s website. The Marriage Equality Act passed 33-29, and the Chamber erupted in cheers.
The HRC released an immediate story praising Governor Andrew Cuomo and reacting to the news.
“History was made today in New York. This victory sends a message that marriage equality across the country will be a reality soon,” said Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign. “There’s no doubt that this was the most unified marriage effort ever. Today’s victory is made even sweeter by the fact that organizations were able to rally around a common goal, work hard and deliver a huge win for civil and human rights.”
Same-sex couples in NY have the freedom to marry now, vindication of full and equal citizenship has arrived to NY. The New York Times reported that four Republicans state senators joined 29 Democrats in voting for the bill.
Evan Wolfson, via CNN Anderson Cooper’s 360 show, explained that he will be able to change his ring and wear it on the left finger now, once he marries his partner, a promise he made to him if they could wed one day in NY.
NY Governor, Andrew M. Cuomo (D), will sign the Bill. Thirty days from the time Governor Cuomo signs the bill, the first gay couples will be able to wed in New York. The state joins five other states that have also passed same-sex marriage: Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont, as well as the District of Columbia.
