N.Y. Marriage Vote: Words From the Floor

Along the road to New York’s approval of marriage equality there
emerged some powerful voices — including those of two Republicans whose
surprising shifts helped the bill pass.

Sen. Stephen Saland, who voted against a similar measure in 2009, said "My intellectual and emotional journey has ended here today, and I have to define doing the right thing as treating all persons with equality and that equality includes within the definition of marriage."

Catholic-raised senator Mark Grisanti grew up believing marriage was only between a man and a woman, but remarked, "Who am I to say that someone does not have the same rights that I have with my wife, who I love, or to have the 1,300-plus rights that I share with her?"

What follows are highlights from some of last night’s session, including the final vote and the thunderous applause it garnered.