(Image source: The New York Times)

BY TRACY PFEIFFER

ANCHOR JENNIFER MECKLES

You're watching multisource US video news analysis from Newsy. 

The state of New York has approved same-sex marriages -- becoming the sixth state to do so.

 “Ayes 33, nays 29.”

(applause)

Analysts believed the bill was within just one vote -- but in the end the measure passed by four votes in the Republican-controlled state senate. (Video: NY1)

Democratic New York governor Andrew Cuomo signed the bill shortly after the vote -- effectively doubling the number of Americans eligible for a same-sex marriage.

GOV. ANDREW CUOMO (D-NY): “What this state said today bring this discussion of marriage equality to a new plane. That’s the power and the beauty of New York. The other states look to New York for the progressive direction. And what we said today is, ‘You look to New York once again.’” (NY1)

The bill previously stalled over concern religious institutions would be forced to recognize same-sex marriages -- but as The Wall Street Journal reports, lawmakers worked out a protection.

“The updated language of the proposed bill includes a new provision that exempts religious groups from punishment if they choose not to recognize marriages between same-sex couples.”

A writer for TIME says -- the bill’s passage is a win-win for Governor Cuomo, who both proves his dedication to LGBT rights and his ability to negotiate.

“Cuomo's full-on blitz in Albany has been a powerful example of the kind of power a governor can wield when he fully commits himself to a legislative goal. Just six months into his first office, the fight over gay rights will almost certainly be a defining one for his first term.”

A writer for The New York Times says -- this isn’t just about today’s politics -- the move is historical.

“Supporters of the measure described the victory in New York as especially symbolic - and poignant - because of its rich place in the history of gay rights: the movement’s foundational moment, in June 1969, was a riot against police inside the Stonewall Inn, a bar in the West Village.”

Opponents of the bill gathered in the capitol singing hymns -- and the measure’s passage did not go ignored. (Video: The Wall Street Journal)

ANCHOR, VOICE OVER: “New York’s Catholic archbishop issuing a statement: The passage by the legislature of a bill to alter radically and forever humanity’s historic understanding of marriage leaves us deeply disappointed and troubled.” (ABC)

Support for same-sex marriage is largely associated with Democrats -- but for GOP Senator Roy McDonald, who came out in support of the bill prior to the vote -- this subject goes beyond partisan politics.

"You get to the point where you evolve in your life where everything isn't black and white, good and bad, and you try to do the right thing... I'm tired of Republican-Democrat politics. They can take the job and shove it. I come from a blue-collar background. I'm trying to do the right thing, and that's where I'm going with this."(New York Daily News)

The legalization of same-sex marriage in the Empire State officially goes into effect 30 days from Cuomo’s signing. 

Transcript by Newsy.