STATEMENT OF MAYOR BLOOMBERG ON SENATE VOTE ON SAME SEX MARRIAGE "I've been urging the State Senate to stand up and be counted on an issue of importance to me and millions of other New Yorkers: marriage equality. Although I'm deeply disappointed with today's result, and know that the sense of anguish and frustration is even more pronounced among gay and lesbian New Yorkers, at least we now know where individual legislators stand. And so now, we begin a new effort to secure the additional votes needed to pass this bill. I want to thank the leaders of the State Senate for finally bringing this bill to the floor for a vote and I applaud the 24 senators who courageously and compassionately voted 'yes.' Historic change does not come easily, but this vote was a crucial step that, I believe, will ultimately lead the State to extend full marriage rights to all couples."