Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Breaking News: NY court says same-sex marriages from other jurisdictions should be recognized

According to Art Leonard over on his blog, New York Supreme Court Justice Joan B. Lefkowitz has rejected a legal challenge against Westchester County Executive Andrew J. Spano’s Order to county agencies that they extend recognition to same-sex marriages lawfully contracted in other jurisdictions."

The challenge was brought to the courts by an out of state right-wing litigation group called Alliance Defense Fund (in collaboration with local legislators). Lambda Legal joined Spano in a motion to dismiss the complaint on behalf of a couple who had married in Canada, Michael Sabatino, Jr. (above left) and Robert Voorhees (right) in a photo by yours truly.

The ruling is in contrast to two previous ones by New York trial courts in Nassau County and Monroe County which had ruled that last summer's marriage ruling by the Court of Appeals prevented recognition of out of state same sex marriages.

The ruling itself might also be appealed, in which case it would go up to the Appellate division.

So the legal fight continues but still a hopeful step in the right direction.

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