New York State is sixth to legalize gay marriage

"We have lifted the legal barriers that had segregated some loves to shadows," said Stephen H. Phelps, interim senior minister of Manhattan's Riverside Church. "Now the dignity of marriage is available to all," said Phelps, who was among clergy that urged passage of a bill making New York the most populous state of six to permit marriage to same-sex couples.

Crucial to the legislation's passage were detailed legal protections for religious organizations that refuse to marry gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender persons, said news reports. The bill was signed quickly by Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo before midnight June 24 after several days of negotiations among state senators. The law takes effect in late July.

Catholic bishops in the state, who fought the bill vigorously, said in a statement that while they treat with respect "our homosexual brothers and sisters," they affirmed their belief that marriage "is the joining of one man and one woman."