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New York’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage has brought the issue to the forefront of political debates across the country. Several other states, such as Minnesota, North Carolina, Maryland, and Rhode Island are on the edge of entering the marriage battle, as some consider constitutional bans, and others prepare to legalize gay marriage. "I think you're going to see this message resonate all across the country now. If New York can do it, it's OK for every other place to do it,” said New York Governor Andrew Cuomo who championed the issue. The move adds to the mounting pressure on President Obama, who has been criticized for his neglect to see the definition of marriage as a Federal issue. New York’s GOP is also under fire as opponents, such as Brian Brown of the National Organization for Marriage, declare the vote a “disaster for the Republican party” and pledge millions to defeat the bill’s supporters.