Excellent news on the marriage equality front. A New York trial court upholds Gov. David Paterson's executive order that directed state agencies to recognize the recognize valid same-sex marriages performed in other states or countries. Justice Lucy Billings rejected the challenge filed by legislators who claimed it was up to the legislature to determine which out-of-state marriages should be recognized.
Justice Billings rejected the plaintiffs’ reasoning, finding that Mr. Paterson’s order was consistent with state laws that generally require officials to recognize marriages from other jurisdictions and are silent on whether same-sex marriages should be excluded from that recognition.
"Furthermore," she wrote, "when partners manifest the commitment to their relationship and family, by solemnizing that commitment elsewhere, through one of life’s most significant events, and come to New York, whether returning home or setting down roots, to carry on that commitment, nothing is more antithetical to family stability than requiring them to abandon that solemnized commitment."
The decision may be appealed.
Paterson's order was delivered in May and covers valid same-sex marriages performed in California, New York, Canada and elsewhere. Polls show a majority of New Yorkers support the move.
ers support the move.
Posted via T-Mobile BlackBerry, apologies in advance for format and/or typos.
Very good news indeed!
Posted by: cedric | 03 September 2008 at 14:14
good for new york and the rest of america. i just hope cali. can keep sgl marriage legal in this state.
Posted by: freeleo | 03 September 2008 at 14:49
Great news, and, its still amazing to me how the marriage between two committed men and or women is such a threat to "traditional" folks and theirs. Its a shame that they have let "faith" into a legal contract as a way to discriminate, which marriage is.
Posted by: Luther | 03 September 2008 at 15:50
Progress is always fantastic news!
Posted by: malo | 04 September 2008 at 14:49
Very good news.I just hope it stands.
Posted by: Darren | 04 September 2008 at 15:49
Is it just me or is Gov. Paterson a cutie? I don't get a gay vibe about him at all, but he's a handsome man.
Posted by: OntheGrind | 05 September 2008 at 19:15