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N.Y. Marriage Vote: Words From the Floor

N.Y. Marriage Vote: Words From the Floor

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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.

Senator Thomas K. Duane discusses coming out as a teenager.

The vote

Gov. Andrew Cuomo discusses the bill's passage.
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