Late Friday night, the state of New York legalized same-sex marriage. With a historic vote by its Legislature, New York became the sixth, and by far the most populous state to legalize same-sex marriage. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the bill into law Friday night. He said:
I am very proud of New York and I’m very proud of the statement we made today.
Same-sex couples will be able to get married by the end of July, as the law will go into effect in 30 days.
More than 35% of Americans now live in states where gay couples can effectively attain the rights and responsibilities of marriage.
According to The Associated Press, several recent opinion polls have shown that a majority of Americans now approve of same-sex marriages. It was only 10 years ago that there was less than 40% support.
Sometimes it is important to look at some of the people who are affected by this new legislation. It certainly makes it easier to understand why this is so important.
Meet Richard Dorr, 84, left, and John Mace, 91, at their home in New York City where they both work as voice teachers. They have been partners for 61 years, and have been hoping that legislation passes that would enable them to get married in New York. They plan to seek a marriage license as soon as possible but do not plan a big ceremony…just a couple of witnesses and a justice of the peace.
One of New York’s most famous gay couples is Neil Patrick Harris and his longtime partner, David Burtka. On Friday night, Harris tweeted words of encouragement to the State Senate. He wrote that he’d “sure love to get married.”
Harris followed up on Saturday morning with another tweet that said:
“David and I did propose to each other, but over five years ago! We’ve been wearing engagement rings for ages, waiting for an available date.”
It only makes sense that the pair should be allowed to marry. They have been together for many years and they are fathers to fraternal twins born in October 2010.
On Sunday, Ben Cohn posted a touching picture of himself and his long-time partner, Sean McDaniel…the important word…”engaged.” These two young people have their entire life ahead of them and now they can share it with someone they love and adore and have all the rights that we all have. Ben and Sean have performed and toured often with Clay Aiken. They are both outstanding musicians and seem like great people. I bet they got a mighty big “Congratulations” from Clay!
I saw a wonderful post from an active Clay fan on Sunday. She commented that she wished that there was a way for Clay to know and understand that he has made a huge impact when it comes to GLBT rights. She related that it was so much fun to see the celebration on the Clay-Boards and even FaceBook when the news of the Marriage Equality Bill passed. She said:
I’m sure some of those people would have been following it anyway, but it would be my guess that most of them would not be following this particular movement if it were not for Clay. He has led the way for people to get educated on this cause, to support the cause and to celebrate the victories and agonize over the defeats. He did that and I wish he could see it.
I am so very very thrilled for the State of New York! Way to go!!! a big heartfelt congrats to Richard & John (that one made me really tear up), Neil & David and Sean & Ben (that one made me grin ear to ear) and to all of those who are now able to share their love and commitment.
Clay most definitely has opened the eyes and hearts of many people, he has created activists – not just on this issue, but on many others. He is a good man.
SueReu….I agree with you totally. It is such a step forward, and I could not be happier for those that have found love, but now can go ahead and commit to each other.
It's true about Clay. I had no idea of anything gay, before Clay. It hadn't be anything that was affecting me, so I just never paid attention. I have learned so much, as we all have. Clay certainly opened my eyes to a different cause, and one that I am proud to support. WAY TO GO NEW YORK!
It's about Damn Time!!
Love how you introduced some people into this article. I mean…….that is what is important. Now, lets get California to get going on their laws!!
Thank you for writing on this very important topic.
i keep coming back here just to look at that photo of Richard & John. How can anyone deny those two men happiness? They are absolutely darling!!!! Neil & David and Sean & Ben are still young and have the future to look forward to and I do wish them the best. But Richard & John, well, I'm so thankful that this bill passed when it did and they are still here, loving each other, and are now able declare that love emotionally, legally and for eternity.
Sue……..I fell in love with them too. I bet they are a hoot and would love to meet them!!
Hi!
Congratulations to New York!
I live in Iceland and we legalized same sex marriage about 2 years ago. And our prime minister, a really nice lady, was one of the first one to get married! So, I am really proud to be Icelandic :0)
Hugs to you all
Krissa
Krissa……You have every right to be proud. I do remember reading about your prime minister.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting!!
Clay has certainly been instrumental for me and my support of equal rights for all and including gay rights and it has enriched my life. Each step in achieving equality is a victory, though we have more steps to climb. Can't wait to hear of Richard & John's nuptials. Congrats to Sean & Ben who are good friends to Clay, and to Neil and David.
I am so glad that New York made gay marriages legal. While I wish it could be done in all states, this is something I guess we will have to take one step at a time to achieve. I loved the Richard and John story, what a wonderful love story. I also am happy for Sean and Ben, and Neil and David. I really did not give much attention to gay people until Clay opened my eyes to the inequality they face in so many areas of their lives. Thanks for this great article!
From a young age I never understood why the GLBT community was denied the right to marry. Being an avid Clay fan, I now want that right for those individuals even more. It warms my heart to read stories of couples now getting engaged. I hope Clay gets to sing at Ben and Sean's wedding.
I am so happy that Gay marriages are now legal in New York…now, we need to get it passed in all states. Myself, I never did pay much attention to the Gay Community…until I was a fan of Clay and he showed me the way through his work with GLAD and other movements. Now, I wonder if Clay will sing at Sean and Ben's marriage.