History is Made in NY; Marriage Equality Act Passes!

Supporters of same sex marriage, including the Broadway community are celebrating as the New York State Senate has voted and Governor Andrew M. Cuomo will sign the bill into law tonight. The Marriage Equality Act in New York State has faced many obstacles on its path to the Senate, but tonight it finally faced a vote in Albany.

The bill received thirty-three votes; thirty-two votes were required for it to pass, and it will now cross the desk of Gov. Cuomo - who has said that he would sign the bill into law as soon as it's passed by the Senate.

Throughout the path to legislation, many groups and performers with strong ties to Broadway have offered support with organizations such as Broadway Impact leading the way. Broadway Impact is a grassroots organization of the theatre community and its fans, mobilizing in support of marriage equality. Founded by Gavin Creel, Rory O'Malley and Jenny Kanelos, they aim to educate and inspire the community into to action.

Tonight's vote marked a major landmark in New York's journey to equality, which will now become the sixth and largest state in the nation to approve gay marriage. 

Now, 44 States to go!

Photo Credit: Monica Simoes