Protesters take part in a demonstration supporting same-sex marriages outside Sheraton Hotel where U.S. President Obama was attending a function in New York.
President Barack Obama may be against same-sex marriage, but a group is trying to get the Democratic Party to officially support the issue in its platform at the 2012 national convention. Reuters

The New York State Senate approved the chapter amendment that includes provisions in a gay marriage bill that would shield religious organizations that refuse to recognize gay marriage, overcoming a central obstacle to the bill getting a vote Friday night.

The chapter amendment passed with a vote of 36-26.

Senator Stephen. Saland said, I define doing the right thing as treating people with equality.

The Senate is currently listening to the explanation of votes from Senators.