**(Watch live video feed from N.Y. Senate below.)**
As the nation looks on, the vote for the same-sex marriage bill in New York could be decided upon as early as this evening.
The Associated Press is reporting that “state legislative leaders said there are no major obstacles to negotiations on religious protections in a gay marriage bill, potentially opening the way to a vote on the issue as early as Wednesday night.”
Republican senators who are key to whether there will be legalized gay marriage in New York went into a closed-door caucus earlier this afternoon as the public gathered outside the Capitol.
Among those in attendance advocating for marriage equality was restaurateur and chef Mario Batali, actress Audra McDonald of Private Practice.
As of this posting, the Senate needs just one more vote to make New York the sixth state where gay marriage is legally recognized.
The bill passed in the State Assembly last week.
Getting married in New York? Find gay-friendly wedding vendors in our Local Resources marketplace.
Watch Live Video Feed from N.Y. Senate
