Gay marriage passes in New York state

A big victory for all gays in New York City was acclaimed after the bill was passed by 33-29 votes on Friday evening to approve marriage equality legislation after Republican State Senate votes to approve it and Gov. Andrew Cuomo signs it into law.

This vote today will send a message across the country. This is the way to go, the time to do it is now, and it is achievable; it's no longer a dream or an aspiration. I think you're going to see a rapid evolution," Cuomo, who is in his first year of office, told a news conference.

"We reached a new level of social justice," he said.

Same-sex weddings can start taking place in New York in 30 days, though religious institutions and nonprofit groups with religious affiliations will not be compelled to officiate at such ceremonies. The legislation also gives gay couples the right to divorce.

"I have to define doing the right thing as treating all persons with equality and that equality includes within the definition of marriage," Republican Senator Stephen Saland said before the bill was passed. He was one of four Republicans to vote for the legislation.

But New York's Catholic bishops said they were "deeply disappointed and troubled" by the passage of the bill.
New York will become the sixth and most populous U.S. state to allow gay marriage.