It was an historic vote in Albany Wednesday, on a controversial and emotional issue, the right for same sex couples to marry.
New York State Senator Craig Johnson noted, "This is about civil marriage. This is a civil issue, not a religious issue, and it is clearly delineated in the bill that it is not a religious issue."
When it came time to vote, only one area Senator, Antoine Thompson voted yes. Others like Senator Mike Ranzenhofer voted no. In the end, it was those opposed to same sex marriage who would claim victory.
The vote was defeated 38 to 24.
Reverend Joel Miller, Pastor of the Unitarian Universalist Church is part of a coalition of 700 religious leaders statewide who supported the measure.
Rev. Miller commented to Eyewitness News, "I think it is a temporary defeat. Iain the long run we know people believe in equality."
Twitter
Facebook