Gay marriage will remain illegal in the Empire State.

The New York State Senate voted down a legalization attempt this afternoon, with several Democrats joining with all Republicans in opposing the measure. The final margin was 38-24.

The institution of marriage, recognized for millenia as the union between a man and woman, has once again been protected.

Update: Ben Smith of The Politico writes:

Marriage goes down in NY, 38-24. Not even close. Dems not so good at counting votes.

Of course, marriage didn’t go down. It was the attempt to redefine marriage that was defeated. The institution of marriage was protected.