Pressconnects.com reports:
A state Supreme Court judge ruled today that Gov. David Paterson’s directive in May to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states and countries is legal in New York . . .
The ruling rejects an argument from the national Alliance Defense Fund that Paterson overstepped his authority by recognizing same-sex marriages because New York doesn’t itself allow for same-sex marriages.
For clarification to some readers: This is a lower court in New York even though it is called the “Supreme Court.” It is not the highest state court of appeal in New York.
Lambda Legal has issued this press release.
The AP has this updated report that quotes ADF attorney Jim Campbell:
. . . Alliance Defense Fund lawyer Jim Campbell said the judge’s decision made New York subject to other states’ choices on same-sex marriage. He challenged her holding that New York’s Legislature had “conspicuously” declined to act on honoring out-of-state gay weddings.
“If you define marriage for yourself and something from somewhere else conflicts with your definition of marriage, it’s redundant and unnecessary to declare that you’re not going to recognize that out-of-state (policy),” he said . . .
This post may be updated.
