Yesterday, Sunday, July 24, 2011, to commemorate the first day of marriage equality in the State of New York, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz opened up Borough Hall as the backdrop of what would likely be the happiest day of dozens of gay and lesbian couples.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg ensured that all city clerk offices be open yesterday so any couples wishing to get a marriage license on the first day of same-sex marriage in the State. For couples wishing to get married the same day as they got their marriage licenses, would have need the 24-hour waiting period waived by a judge.

In a statement, Borough President Markowitz said “Besides being elected borough president, marrying my wife Jamie nearly 12 years ago was the best moment of my life. I wish these couples as much happiness as my wife and I have been blessed to share. This is a historic day in New York, and seeing these newlyweds—their smiles, that twinkle in their eye—that says it all.”

Markowitz made sure that judges, rabbis, and ministers were on hand to preside over the ceremonies. The beep even went so far to offer free wedding cake, champagne, and professional photographs for all of the newlyweds.

Video coverage of yesterday’s events are below.

Borough Hall, Borough President, Marriage Equality, Marty Markowitz, Michael Bloomberg, Same-Sex Marriage

Now that New York State has approved full marriage equality, now more than ever, we have to show how we will always be committed to the plight of ensuring equal rights for all, across the natio. And Governor Andrew Cuomo agrees.

Tomorrow, Sunday, June 26th, Governor Andrew Cuomo will be marching in the the 41st Annual New York City Gay Pride Parade and would like you to join him. New York City’s annual Gay Pride Parade began in 1970 as a commemoration of the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. The parade has since grown to become the oldest and one of the world’s largest LGBT events. For more information on the parade, visit: http://www.nycpride.org/. More details are below.

Meeting Time: 11AM
Location: 35th Street, between Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue (please enter on Madison Avenues and walk east to on 5th Avenue, which will be closed off)
Dress: Neat, casual, warm weather clothes (polo shirt, khaki pants/shorts etc…)
Please RSVP to Ryan Naples

Andrew Cuomo, Gay Pride, LGBT, Marriage Equality, NYC Gay Pride Parade, Same-Sex Marriage

So, unless you have been living under a rock for the past day, you know that marriage equality has finally become a reality for the Empire State. No longer will two loving people be denied marriage licenses, hospital visitation rights, next-of-kin benefits, and thousands of other rights and freedoms that come with marriage. Since our inception as an organization, the Brooklyn Young Democrats have fought for marriage equality. And today we can say that our hard work has paid off.

By a 33 to 29, margin, the Republican controlled State Senate passed the Marriage Equality Act with Republican Senators James Alesi, Mark Grisanti, Roy McDonald, and Stephen Saland standing up for equal rights for all, regardless of who they love. The events of last night are proof that our leaders can come together and fight for the needs of the people of the State of New York. At the 2009 College Democrats of New York Convention, during a panel discussion with State Senators Eric Adams, Liz Krueger, and Diane Savino (famous for this video), I asked the panel if they believed that any of their colleagues on the Republican side would vote for marriage equality. They told me that they believed that there were some that wanted to vote for the measure, but, as Diane Savino said, they were “afraid” to come out for the rights of gays and lesbians. Last night was testimony to the courage of voting for what is right and it made true what those senators told me over 2 years ago.

However, we must realize that one state senator from Brooklyn does not believe in basic civil rights based on sexual orientation. That senator, of course, is Marty Golden. Senator Golden went so far last night to tweet “I do not feel that the religious protections in this bill were adequate.” The Marriage Equality Act, however, ensures that no religious institution is required to perform any same-sex marriages. Furthermore, the bill protects any religious organizations that does not condone same-sex marriage from threat of lawsuit for not providing their services for such marriages.

Brooklyn Senator Carl Kruger himself even admitted that he was wrong for voting against marriage equality last time around. If we can change the mind of just one of our senators, imagine how many minds we can change with the people of Brooklyn.

In case you did not catch the floor debate, as the videos come online, I will add them so you all can see democracy in action.

Stephen Salandsession remarks on Senate Bill 5857

Mark Grisanti (R-Buffalo) Speaking on the Marriage Equality Act

In case you want a laugh, here is Sen. Ruben Diaz having a temper tantrum

Andrew Cuomo, Carl Krueger, College Democrats, College Democrats of New York, Diane Savino, Eric Adams, Gay, James Alesi, Lesbian, Liz Krueger, Mark Grisanti, Marriage Equality, Marriage Equality Act, Marty Golden, New Yor State, Roy McDonald, Ruben Diaz, Same-Sex Marriage, State Senate, Stephen Saland