The Assembly passed Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s same-sex marriage this evening, 80-63, the lowest margin in the four years it’s been put to a vote in the Democratic-led chamber.

Republicans had predicted earlier today that a vote could have been in jeopardy, or least not a landslide, thanks to 10 GOP gains in 2010. At the same time, several Democratic lawmakers had joined the Cuomo administration leaving multiple vacancies.

The bill now moves to the state Senate, where it’s passage is far from certain. There are thirty-one votes in favor of the bill now that two Republicans have said they would back the measure. Several GOP lawmakers are on the fence publicly and have said broader religious exemptions are needed.

The very lengthy debate in the Assembly began around 5 p.m. this afternoon and concluded after 9 p.m.

The debate featured openly gay Assemblyman Matthew Titone of Staten Island saying he wants to get married as soon as possible, but needs to save up the money first. Sitting next to him was Sen. Diane Savino, who became an Internet star after delivering an impassioned speech in favor of the bill.

“Look to the future and protect your legacy as a human being,” he said.

Republicans and some Democrats, however, argued that the bill would redefine the traditional view of marriage.

Noting that pop star Lady Gaga supported same-sex marriage, Assemblyman Dov Hikind said sarcastically, “When Lady Gaga got involved and told us and said we should support gay marriage, I said, you know, Lady Gaga, she is an example of how I should lead my life and how I should behave.”

New Yorkers United for Marriage, the coalition of advocacy groups pushing the measure, released a statement on the vote saying,

“New Yorkers United for Marriage applauds Speaker Silver, Assemblymember O’Donnell and their colleagues for once again affirming that all New Yorkers should be able to marry the person they love. We are heartened and gratified by the Assembly’s unwavering commitment to marriage equality and will never forget their leadership on this important issue. We call on the Senate to allow a vote on marriage so that we can make history in the Empire State.”

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