Long Island Embracing Gay Marriage

Long Island businesses are embracing same-sex marriage the way gay couples are embracing each other this week: with joy, equality, and a vision for a future together. 

A Port Jefferson hotel is going all out to offer discounts to gay – as well as straight – couples in celebration of New York’s new marriage equality law.

A limousine company in Hicksville sees a great chance to usher gay couples in the style they deserve. A Suffolk County salon is offering “couple’s massages” at a discount.

New York’s landmark legislation passed Monday has set off a frenzy among Long Island businesses, many of whom see gay marriage as long past due.

"Our arms are open to them and we’re excited to be a part of it.,” said Stewart Weiner, the general manager of  in Port Jefferson, which is offering a 10-percent discount to all couples – straight and gay – in July and August in celebration of the new legislation.

Victoria Carter, the banquet manager at the says their long-term policy has been to reach out to the gay community: "We've had commitment ceremonies over the years and we are just thrilled to host full weddings now. It's about time.

"If you're lucky enough to be in love, we're all for it," she said.

Lisa Forsyth says this week’s legislation is “a long time in coming.” The Blue Sapphire Spa is offering a wide variety of specials in honor of the new law, including “couples massages” at a discount. 

“Everyone has a right to marriage, said Forsyth, whose full-service spa is on the site of the Danfords Hotel. “We totally embrace it. There shouldn’t be any discrimination in wedding ceremonies or anything else.”

Her spa is offering discounts on "couples massages" in honor of the new law. 

Patrick Smalley sees the legislation as a "new dimension" to celebrate. Smalley, the Managing Director of The , said: "We welcome being a part of their lives with this new dimension of celebration. As with every couple, we continue to do what we always do well at The Garden City Hotel. We host dream weddings tailored to each couple's hopes and wishes to create a lifetime of memories."

Matt Silver has been reaching out to gay couples for years and says he's thrilled by the new law: "I've been getting calls, people asking for rates," he said of his Hicksville limousine service: Matt Silver’s Ultimate Class Limousine and Ground Transportation Worldwide.

Silver's firm took a lesbian couple from their marriage ceremony in Connecticut on Sunday to a reception on Long Island. That kind of state-line-crossing trip won't be necessary at the end of July in New York. 

"In my opinion, this gives a lot of couples the opportunity to celebrate with a lot of people  who they love," said Weiner. "These are people who have been together for a long time and now have the chance to celebrate publicly."

Weiner said he is proud to be a New Yorker in this moment in the state’s history.

“I have a lot of respect for the governor [Andrew Cuomo] and we’ve taken the lead on this initiative,” Weiner said. “New York has made a mark around the world. I’d love to have the governor around for the first wedding."