New York could take a cue from its neighbor to the east.

The Massachusetts Senate unanimously voted to repeal the state's 1913 law that blocks out-of-state gay and lesbian from coming to Massachusetts to get married.

The state already legalized same-sex marriage for residents.

It was a major victory for advocates of same-sex couples and they are hoping that the bill will be approved in the House and signed into law by Governor Deval Patrick.

According to reports in the Boston Globe, the bill to repeal the 95-year-old law flew through the Senate without any resistance, and there were no protestors out in front predicting the end of families, the US, or the world.

That's probably because - despite the usual apocalyptic predictions - the skies in Massachusetts have not fallen since same-sex marriage was legalized in 2004.

Quite the opposite: Massachusetts has discovered that there's money to be made in them there marriages - more than $100 million in annual travel and hospitality revenue.

Where is New York headed?

The Martinez case should have clarified things. At the moment, the courts have said marriages legally performed in other jurisdictions are recognized in New York, including same-sex marriages.

Governor David Patterson directed state agencies to recognize these marriages, though there has been a whole lot of foot-dragging.

Opponents of same-sex marriage are losing the public opinion fight, but the more confusion and doubt they can inject into the legal process, the more they can delay acceptance.

Closer to home, it was wonderful to see City Hall kick off Pride Week with gay flags displayed both inside and outside City Hall.

It's been a long time coming. And just another indication that marriage can't be far behind.