After Hours on NY Gay Marriage Vote

After hours of debate, the Republican-controlled New York Senate put off a vote on same-sex marriage until Friday. The sticking point remains exemptions to protect religious groups from civil lawsuits if they refuse to preside over same-sex ceremonies.

• After hours of closed-door meetings, the Republican-controlled New York Senate gave up for the night on same-sex marriage, promising to return to the contentious issue Friday morning.

Protesters take part in a demonstration supporting same- sex marriages outside the hotel where President Barack Obama was attending a function in New York June 23. Obama touted his efforts to advance gay rights and promised further progress, but stopped short of declaring his support for legalizing same- sex marriage.

Andrew Kelly/Reuters