New York…[became] the sixth and most-populous state to legalise same-sex marriage when the governor, Andrew Cuomo, signed the bill into law. It will go into effect on July 24th…A group of business leaders, including the heads of Goldman Sachs and Thomson Reuters, advised lawmakers that passage was needed for the state “to remain competitive”…Unfortunately, state law does not trump federal law. Gay married couples are still not eligible for federal benefits. Although Oregon, Maine, Washington and Maryland are considering similar measures, the Defence of Marriage Act forbids federal recognition of same-sex marriage. Even so, Mr Cuomo sees New York as a beacon of social justice and is hopeful that its example will spread.