“Today’s historic legislation on marriage equality is a resounding victory for justice,” said state Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman. “This vote means that every man and woman will be treated equally in the county clerks’ offices, the courts and the administrative agencies of the state of New York. It means that every single New Yorker will have access to the full rights and responsibilities that come with a marriage license.”

The nine Long Island senators who voted against passing the bill were Carl L. Marcellino, Charles J. Fuschillo Jr., Dean G. Skelos, Jack M. Martins, John J. Flanagan, Kemp Hannon, Kenneth P. LaValle, Lee M. Zeldin and Owen H. Johnson.

“I have always said that the vote on same-sex marriage should be a vote of conscience, and that people are elected to make tough decisions,” Skelos said. “After many hours of deliberation and discussion over the past several weeks among the Senate members, it was decided to bring the legislation to the full Senate or an up-or-down vote.”

Skelos pointed out that Senate Republicans insisted that amendments be made to the governor’s original bill in order to protect the rights of religious institutions and not-for-profits with religious affiliations.

David Kilmnick, CEO of the Long Island GLBT Services Network, said that the legislation was “long overdue” to bring equality to all New York families.

“We are just overjoyed with the real possibility of marrying the person we love,” Kilmnick said, “and to have the rights and benefits to protect our families. When you spend your life living with inequality, moments like these are ones you never forget.”

In Malverne, many welcomed news of the legislation’s approval. “We are thrilled to see New York state pass the Marriage Equality bill,” said Peter Robideau, president of the Malverne Civic Association who married his partner, Kenny Lesser, in 2009 in Connecticut. “This will hopefully set the tone for the rest of the country and send a message of acceptance to everyone.”