Breaking! New York Says "I Do" to Marriage Equality

It took long enough but the New York state Senate finally voted on marriage equality in that state. But a vote of 33 to 29, same-sex marriage passed, making New York state the largest state in the U.S. to grant marriage equality to its gay and lesbian residents.

Crowds formed outside of the Stonewall Inn in New York City awaiting news, four days short 41 years after the riots that marked the beginning of the modern gay rights movement.

Joyous celebration, not a riot./Photo: GoodAsYou

Just before the New York State Senate took up the bill, out Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell says he's now engaged to his partner of 20 years John Banta. Let's hope his sister, Rosie O'Donnell throws him a heck of a wedding. Congratulations!

New York is now the sixth state (plus the District of Columbia) that allows marriage equality, and due to the size of the population nearly doubles the number of Americans living under marriage equality statutes. It's also only the second state to achieve equality directly through the legislature rather than the court system.

How are you celebrating New York equality this weekend?