LITTLE FALLS, N.Y. (WKTV) - After a nearly three-hour debate, the New York State Senate defeated a bill that would have legalized gay marriage.

The Assembly passed the bill, which fell 14 votes short in the Senate by a vote of 24-38.

Among the gay central New Yorkers disappointed by the outcome of the vote: Richard Vogt, of Little Falls.

"It should've happened a long time ago and I thought New York State would have been one of the first states to do this as a fairly liberal state but here we are; there's other states ahead of us," Vogt said.

Vogt was ready to begin planning his wedding to long-time partner David Taylor, also of Little Falls. He said it's not only about being afforded the same rights as all Americans, but also about taking a financial loss; feeling like you're being punished, for who you are.

"I get domestic partner benefits for him, medical and other benefits through my company which I'm retired from and I have to pay taxes on those benefits," Vogt said. "If we were married, I wouldn't have to pay taxes on those benefits. It's just not fair."

Senator Joseph Griffo, (R) 47th, voted against the measure.

"All people have value in our society, and no one should be treated unfairly because of their sexual orientation, race, gender or any other category. I believe that there should be equal rights under the law, but I have not been persuaded that preservation or marriage in its current form is a denial of basic rights," Griffo said.

Senator James Seward, (R) 51st, also voted against the measure. Assemblywoman Roann Destito, (D) 116th and Senator David Valesky, (R) 49th, voted for it.

6 democrats total voted against the bill.