STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- State Sen. Andrew Lanza has decided he will vote against same-sex marriage.

Lanza (R-Staten Island) released the following statement this evening:

Republicans in the New York Senate agreed today to allow a full vote on legalizing gay marriage, setting the stage for a possible breakthrough victory for the gay-rights movement in the state where it got its start.

New York could become the sixth state where gay couples can wed, and the biggest by far. A vote could come as soon as tonight.

Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos said the bill will come to the floor and be brought up for an "up or down vote." It will be a "vote of conscience for every member of this Senate," Skelos said.