Gay Marriage Passes in New York

New York became the sixth state to legalize gay marriage Friday night in a historic vote which some say could have national implications. The moment was deeply moving for at least one Glen Cove resident.

"It's about time. There's no excuse for discrimination, especially in legal contracts like marriage," said openly gay resident Marc Rosen. "It's a very exciting day."

New York's marriage equality bill, which grants the same legal rights to same-sex couples as heterosexuals, will take affect 30 days after it is signed into law. New York joins Iowa, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont and the District of Columbia, in legalizing gay marriage. By far the biggest state to enact such a law, with New York joining the list, the number of legally married openly gay couples in the U.S. could increase dramatically in the coming month.

"This isn't about religion, tradition, or anything 'sacred,'" Rosen said. "It's about civil rights, and the creation of second-class citizens. We should have the same rights to marry the ones we love that straight couples enjoy, along with all the thousands of legal protections that marriage automatically grants to married couples. Just let me go down to Glen Cove City Hall and get a marriage license with my husband when the time comes."

Republicans Roy McDonald,  James Alesi and Steve Saland voted in favor of the bill.  Sen. Ruben Diaz, Sr. of the Bronx was the only Democrat who voted against it.