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New York gay marriage bill: What would happen if it passes?

New York legislators could vote as early as Wednesday to legalize gay marriage in the state. New York would become the sixth state (plus Washington, D.C.) to permit gay marriage, and the third to approve it via a legislative bill and not a court decision. With gay marriage in California in legal limbo, it would also become the most populous state with gay marriage, potentially influencing legislators in other states, such as Maryland and Rhode Island.

As a gay marriage vote inches closer in New York, here’s a list six things that would – and wouldn’t – happen should the bill pass.

1. Would happen: Gay couples can marry

Mike Groll/AP
A protester in favor of gay marriage rallies at the state Capitol in Albany, N.Y., on Tuesday.

  • By Patrick Wall Contributor

Today, same-sex couples can’t marry in New York – though the state government does recognize gay marriages performed in other states, due to a 2008 executive order issued by then-Gov. David Paterson.

If the law passes, gay couples in New York would be able to tie the knot 30 days later.

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