May 12, 2009: The New York State Assembly passes same-sex marriage legislation in a bipartisan vote of 89–52. November 19, 2009: The New York Court of Appeals rules in Godfrey v. Spano that Westchester County could lawfully extend government benefits to same-sex couples in out-of-state marriages. Whether New York same-sex couples will be permitted to marry in their own home state lies in the hands of the New York State Senate. This decision provides New York couples with the peace of mind of knowing that their valid out-of-state marriages will be respected in New York. December 2, 2009: The New York State Assembly again passes the same-sex marriage bill by a vote of 88–51, but the state Senate votes it down, 38-24. May 10, 2011: Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell introduces a same-sex marriage bill in the Assembly. June 15, 2011: The New York State Assembly passes the same-sex marriage bill for the fourth time, by a vote of 80–63. June 24, 2011: The New York Senate passes the same-sex marriage bill in a 33 to 29 vote. Governor Andrew Cuomo signs the bill, which takes effect in 30 days. July 24, 2011: The Marriage Equality Act goes into effect. Kitty Lambert and Cheryle Rudd of Buffalo are wed in Niagara Falls at midnight, becoming the first couple in the state to benefit from the newly enacted law. Niagara Falls is lit in rainbow for the first time for the occasion. Timeline of civil suits for same-sex marriage Several court cases pertaining to the recognition and licensing of same-sex marriages in New York have been filed over the years. Hernández case March 5, 2004: Five same-sex couples, backed by Lambda Legal, file suit challenging the constitutionality of limiting marriage to only opposite-sex couples. The complaint relied on both equal protection and due process claims. February 4, 2005: New York County Supreme Court Judge Doris Ling-Cohan issues an opinion in Hernández v. Robles ruling that the New York State Constitution guaranteed basic rights to gays and lesbians, which the state violates when it prevents them from marrying. Ling-Cohan stayed her ruling for a 30-day period, giving the state time to appeal. September 13, 2005: Oral arguments are heard by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, First Judicial Department. December 8, 2005: The Appellate Division reverses the trial court with one dissent in a 4–1 decision that said the issue should be handled