Updated: Additional coverage here.
Hundreds of gay and lesbian couples in New York will say “I Do” on Sunday, as the state’s Marriage Equality Act takes effect in just one hour.
The first marriages are scheduled to take place just after midnight in Niagara Falls, where officials planned to illuminate the famous cascade in the colors of a rainbow, and in Albany, where an eager mayor planned to marry eight gay couples.
In New York City, 823 couples signed up in advance to get marriage licenses on Sunday, and many of those couples were expected to marry minutes later in city clerk’s offices across the five boroughs.
Officials from more than a dozen cities and towns from Buffalo to Brookhaven said they would open their offices to issue marriage licenses on Sunday, and more than 100 judges across the state have volunteered to officiate at the couples’ weddings on the spot.
On Sunday, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg himself will officiate a same-sex ceremony at Gracie Mansion between two city officials, Consumer Aaffairs Commissioner Jonathan Mintz, and his partner of 14 years, Chief Policy Adviser John Feinblatt.
“New York really reflects and signifies that the center of gravity on this question has shifted,” said Evan Wolfson, the founder and president of Freedom to Marry, which advocates for same-sex marriage. “It gives us tremendous momentum for continuing the journey the country has been on toward fairness.”
The Marriage Equality Act was passed in the state Senate on Friday evening, June 24, and signed into law by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo at 11:55 p.m. ET, less than 2 hours after the vote. New York becomes the sixth and largest state to sanction same-sex marriage, which takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Sunday.
Related articles:
As Westboro protests NY gay marriage, same-sex couples are unfazed
History unfolds in New York: A 'watershed moment' in the gay rights movement
Gov. Andrew Cuomo issues proclamation: Day to Commemorate Marriage Equality
Buffalo couple ushers in marriage equality at Niagara Falls midnight ceremony
New York becomes sixth, most populous U.S. state to legalize marriage equality
NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo signs Marriage Equality Act just before midnight
New York state legislature approves marriage equality for same-sex couples
Filed under: New York
Florida teen fighting criminal charges related to same-sex relationship
Wash. florist who refused flowers for gay couple’s wedding files suit against state
Texas judge enforces ‘morality clause’ to split up lesbian couple
Anti-gay marriage activist commits suicide on alter at Notre Dame cathedral
Catholic school: Transgender student must wear girl’s graduation gown
Another Ore. bakery refuses to provide wedding cake for same-sex couple
Sex and the teenage girl: The Kaitlyn Hunt tragedy
UPDATED: Police call fatal New York City shooting an anti-gay hate crime
Iowa anti-gay activist explains his opposition to gay marriage: ‘It’s awful’
Details emerge in case against teen accused of lewd behavior with girlfriend
Scottish cardinal to atone for sexual misconduct with younger clergy
BREAKING: French president signs marriage equality bill into law
Everything is bigger in Texas – even the homophobia
Pa. school still refuses to announce transgender grad by his chosen name
Obama delivers LGBT-inclusive commencement address at all-male college
FANTASTIC!!! THE REST OF THE U.S. NEEDS TO FOLLOW SUIT AND STOP BEING SO IGNORANT TO THE FACT THAT EVERYONE IN THE U.S. DESERVES THE SAME BASIC FREEDOMS, INCLUDING THE FREEDOM TO MARRY THE ONE YOU LOVE.
Beautiful!
I’m so excited, and I don’t even live in NY.
I am happy for them
Gay marriage is equality just like a marriage to a men and a women, all of same equal rights. Love is free
History is unfolding right before our very eyes! I am keeping a very detailed journal so I may reflect upon these special moments years and decades from now!!! I can’t wait until the first NYTimes LGBT marriage announcements begin appearing-hopefully as early as next Sunday! :-)
Octavian: You should share your journal with us all so we can remember as well.
I promise to do that. Thank you Quinn. :-)
This is a great day in history Just need the rest of the states that have not done this to make it legal
Congrats to all those getting married. Hopefully it be across the board for everyone soon.
I’m in Buffalo and I’d so go, but I’m sitting at the airport waiting for my dad to get in :S
i hope many happy couple are formed today
I’m crying from all the happiness and joy (even though I’m from california), finally people are starting to have equal rights! This is so amazing! Congrats to everyone getting married! (:
This is one of those pivotal historical moments in time that combine the extra anticipation of the New Year’s Eve ushering in the 21st century, the night Obama was elected and what it must have felt like for those present at Stonewall in 1969. At midnight NY will take an incredible step forward that will echo throughout time!
SO EXCITING!!!
Missouri needs to do this some day. Dx
I feel like I’m watching history unfold and it’s very exciting to be able to say, “I remember when this happened.”
YESSSSS!! :D
Congratulations to those of you getting married, let’s hope for a world wide marraige Equal! <3
awesome.congrads everyone.
go NY!
now everyone ♥ NY :)
:)
YAY TO ALL
Good wishes to allllllll!!!!!!
Good show, New York! And wishing all of you about to wed happiness now and in the future.
Too bad the fucksticks here in Texass will never get the memo.
Once again, the world hasn’t come crashing down on us because of gay marriage…