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A new state law allowing same-sex marriage will go into effect July 24, and New York City is making special arrangements for those wanting to get married on the historic date.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that city clerk offices will be open for a full day Sunday, and workday hours have been extended until July 29. The state marriage applications are available now, and couples are urged to apply.

"This is a historic moment for New York, a moment many couples have waited years and even decades to see -- and we are not going to make them wait one day longer than they have to," Bloomberg said.

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