Yesterday, the New York State Senate voted down a bill that would have allowed same-sex marriage, by 38-24. Not surprisingly, political party was the overwhelming determinant of the vote: while some Democrats voted against, all the Republicans did.

I am 100% in favor of marriage between consenting adults. Period. I’ve written about this many times (here and here and especially here). It’s not my business what flavor of humanity they love. I could go the route of saying that I have gay friends who deserve the right to get married, but that’s a cop out: it doesn’t matter whom I know. It’s a matter of equality, and we should know instinctively that equality is the right thing to fight for.

Not everyone sees it that way, of course. If you don’t like (for example) gays, or blacks, or women, that’s your opinion, and you have the right to that opinion. But you don’t have the right to deny them their rights.

NY State Senator Diane Savino said it best. She gave a speech on the Senate floor that should be required viewing for every citizen of these United States. It is simply phenomenal.

I agree with her. The idea that somehow gay marriage harms hetero marriage is one of the dumbest arguments ever, and is clearly simply a smokescreen for bigotry (unless they support this guy as well). How is my marriage weakened or lessened in any way if across the street, two men who are in love get the same rights I do? How does love lessen love?

And for those NY Senators — and people in other states — who voted against this simple act to give equality to all of your constituents: shame on you. Shame.