The right of same-sex couples to wed became reality in New York state late Friday night after the states Governor, Andrew Cuomo signed the controversial Marriage Equality Act into law after a lengthy and drawn out "will they wont they vote" couple of weeks.
The Democratic governor signed the measure shortly before midnight, following up on a promise to put his name on the legislation as soon as he received it rather than wait the usual 10 days to sign it for it to become law, with many New Yorkers heading into the streets to celebrate.
One epicentre of celebration was the birthplace of the Gay rights movement, the iconic Stonewall Hotel - where thousands of people rallied and celebrated - singing along to songs like Born This Way by Lady GaGa, New York by Alicia Keys and YMCA by the Village People.
News crews and journalists converged on the area to cover the happenings - whilst the crowd there was incredibly friendly, vibrant and positive about the new law.
Gov. Cuomo was put in a position to act after the Republican-controlled Senate ended a week of heated protests and thoughtful debate by narrowly voting in favor of the bill 90 minutes earlier than the main vote.
Advocates are calling it a historic step as New York is now the sixth, but by far the largest state to legalize same-sex marriage. Cuomo’s signature means same-sex weddings could begin within 30 days.
This action will send shockwaves across the world, with New York being seen as the lynch pin in marriage equality benchmarks across the globe. "Now the Big Apple has acted, the rest of the world with follow suit" a local was overheard at tonights gathering.
Guidetogay.com has been in New York for our partnership with New York City Pride which will hit the streets this weekend - check out our live video from the Stonewall gahtering and our exclusive photo galleries.
What a time to celebrate Pride - what a reason for a celebration.
Thankyou New York.
