Fire Islanders Celebrate Passage of Marriage Equality Bill

The state Senate late on Friday, June 24, approved a measure to allow same-sex couples to marry in New York by a 33-29 margin.

Gay and lesbian Fire Islanders rejoiced in the historic vote. Many attending Porsche's show at the Ice Palace in Cherry Grove began to cry when they learned the marriage equality bill had passed. A large banner reading "Thank you, New York. We do!" hung from the High Tea deck in Fire Island Pines, while the American flags outside the Blue Whale were replaced with state flags.

The Grove's annual Pride parade on Saturday, June 25, took on an added significance as marchers celebrated the historic vote-signs reading "Now gay, celebrating gay marriage" and chants of "gay marriage!" were among the spectacle's more prominent features. Flag bearers also carried the flags of other states and jurisdictions that allow gays and lesbians to marry-Massachusetts, the District of Columbia, Vermont and now New York-through the Grove.

"We're so relieved," said Dale Alally, who donned an elaborate, yet campy wedding dress for the occasion. He and his partner Steve Laviska have been together for 26 years. "We've only been waiting for 26 years."

Grove resident Mike Turci and his partner Kenneth Woodhouse have been together for 12 years. Turci told The News that members of his family asked him via Facebook when he and Woodhouse would tie the knot. "I was so overwhelmed with joy that I couldn't believe it," said Turci of the vote.

The long anticipated vote followed days of intense negotiations over New York City rent control, property tax relief and SUNY tuition in Albany. The measure passed after legislators agreed to add an exemption that would not mandate religious institutions to perform same-sex marriages.

"Marriage says we are a family," said gay state Sen. Tom Duane [D-Manhattan], referring to his partner Louis during an emotional speech on the Senate floor before the bill passed. "Louis and I are family and marriage strengthens all families. It's going to strengthen my family and all New York families."

State Sen. Mark Grisanti [R-Buffalo] is one of four Republicans who voted for the measure. A Roman Catholic, he said he could not deny any New Yorker the same rights that he and his wife enjoy through marriage. "I cannot come up with an argument against same-sex marriage."

State Sen. Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) was among those who voted against the measure. He acknowledged those who lobbied for the marriage equality bill, but he defended his position in a statement he released shortly after the measure's passage.

"It is my belief that marriage should be defined as between a man and a woman," said Zeldin. "As of tonight, in New York, that definition has changed. This legislation will have a profound impact on the lives of all New Yorkers. I voted no, but despite my opposition, I am grateful for my Senate colleagues that fought so hard to secure important religious exemptions and other necessary changes to the bill."

Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the bill almost immediately after it passed, and it will take effect 30 days after its passage.

"Love and fairness wins the day for all New Yorkers and our families," said Ross Levi, executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda. "Today is a historic day and a victory for equality and justice - it is the culmination of many years of work by the Pride Agenda and others across the state. We are thrilled that finally all loving, committed New Yorkers will be able to make the commitment of marriage here in the Empire State."

Glennda Testone, executive director of the LGBT Community Center in Manhattan, praised the prospects of marriage equality in New York in an interview with The News at the Women's Pride in the Pines at Sip n' Twirl on Saturday, June 18. "It's long overdue," she said. "People are in love and they deserved to be treated equally."

Even though same-sex couples will soon begin to marry in New York, the Empire State's marriage equality law has no impact on the federal level.

The Defense of Marriage Act that then-President Bill Clinton signed into law in 1996 prevents the federal government from recognizing same-sex relationships. The Obama administration earlier this year announced it would no longer defend DOMA in court. Congressman Jerrold Nadler has introduced a bill in the House that would repeal the law, while U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand co-sponsored a similar measure in the Senate.

Back on Fire Island, long-time Pines resident Jack Lichtenstein predicted marriage equality would be a boom for the beach's wedding industry. Pines resident Robin Byrd simply rejoiced in the moment as she watched the Grove's Pride parade.

"I'm so happy that everybody can share what Shelly and I have-for better or worse," she said. "I'm so overwhelmingly happy."