Gay Marriage Now Legal in New York

New York now becomes the the sixth and most populous state in the U.S. to allow gay marriage. Thirty-three senators voted for gay marriage to now be legal in New York, against 29 who voted No.

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.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, an advocate for gay marriage who lobbied state lawmakers in recent weeks, said the vote was an “historic triumph for equality and freedom.”

“Together, we have taken the next big step on our national journey toward a more perfect union,” he said in a statement.