NY’s Gay Marriage Suite Dismissed

The first law suite against the decision of New York’s governor to recognize same-sex marriages from other states has been thrown out of court. The presiding judge has dismissed the challenge stating the policy is allowable by law because it stands for equality and fairness.

New York state Supreme Court Judge, Lucy Billings wrote in her decision that a same-sex couple’s decision to marry represents “a personal expression of emotional devotion, support and interdependence and a public commitment. With that validity, they expect equal treatment with other married couples.”

With this ruling, thousands of gay and lesbian New York couples are expected marry in Massachusetts, where it recently became law that out-of-state gay couples were allowed to marry. The Alliance Defense Fund, which is the Christian organization backed by several Republicans, who brought suit against the New York decision said it would appeal. Many gay-rights and civil-liberties groups are celebrating the ruling as strengthening legal support for same-sex couples.

Governor David Paterson, who signed the measure allowing recognition into law, commented it was “a wise and fair determination.”

Same-sex couples are still not able to marry in New York and the state’s Supreme court has upheld that only the Legislature has the authority to make that change.