Photos: New Yorkers react to Gay Marriage Ruling

Angry thousands at Sheridan Square (on Christopher Street) this evening, speakers included New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Senator Thomas K. Duane, Congressman Anthony Weiner, State Comptroller Alan Hevesi, Assemblymember Dick Gottfried and State Attorney General candidates Sean P. Maloney (who brought along his partner and kids) and Mark Green.

Scenes from today's rally at Sheridan Square protesting this morning's New York State Court of Appeals Decision against the constitutionality of same-sex marriage rights in New York State. Full set of photos here.

Coverage from tomorrow's Gay City News:

• Andy Humm reports on today's rally.
• Editor in Chief Paul Schindler writes the editorial.
• New York Law School Professor Arthur S. Leonard (on my personal blog list on the right) analyzes the ruling.
• Associate Editor Duncan Osbourne on reaction from couples, gay advocates and political leaders.

And from tomorrow's New York Times: An editorial and coverage.

Also, a message I got tonight from Daniel and his partner Curtis on today's ruling (he's pictured above, third one from top):

Dear Friends,

As many of you may already, New York's highest court, the State Court of Appeals, rendered its decision this morning regarding our marriage case. In effect, they ruled that the denial of marriage licenses to same-sex couples was not a constitutional issue and determined that it was a matter for the legislature. The decision was 4 to 2.

Curtis and I are deeply saddened by the decision. While many are hopeful about continuing the fight in the legislature, we believe that our part in the struggle is coming to a close. Our next steps are more personal, be must now go about protecting our relationship as every other same-sex couple in New York State with a patchwork of very expensive legal contracts, wills and proxies. It also puts our desire to adopt children even further on the back burner. Now as it stands, we will have to separately adopt a child. We were hoping that if we won we would actually be able to afford adoption because married couples need only go through one adoption process.

We could go on about the matter, but it is the end of a very difficult day that we just want to be over. Thank you for your support.

Hugs,

Daniel and Curtis

A sad day indeed.

ps - Lavi has more here and pictures here as well (spot me!)
pps - Good as You has video of some of the speakers at the rally here