Gay Marriage Passes In New York State

 Gay marriage approved in NYS in historic vote
Eileen Buckley (2011-06-24)

The Same-Sex marriage bill was approvede at 10:30 Friday evening in a 33 to 29 vote. It required 32 votes to pass.

Among the republican lawmakers voting in favor was Mark Grisanti of Buffalo.

Gristani spoke on the Senate floor. He said he changed his vote after conducting research.

"Tonight, I joined my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to legalize same sex marriage in New York State. Since I began my term as Senator I have met with many people on both sides of this issue, read numerous documents and independent studies. Given the high stakes, I felt I owed it to everyone to make a well-informed decision. I have come to believe that all New Yorkers should be entitled to the same 1324 rights that come with a civil marriage. As an attorney I analyzed the legislation and concluded that the amendments provide critical exemptions for religious institutions. Passage of this bill now rather than later ensures that these protections be included. I cannot deny anyone in my district and across New York the same rights I have with my wife," said Grisanti.

Griisanti said even though, as a Catholic, he was raised to believe marriage is between a man and woman, he could not "legally come up with an argument against same-sex marriage."

Read the rest of the story here.