Post by Kacer on Feb 5, 2005 16:28:44 GMT -5
N.Y. judge lifts ban on gay nuptials
By Samuel Maull
Associated Press
Published February 5, 2005
NEW YORK -- A state judge ruled Friday that a law banning same-sex marriage violates the state constitution, a decision that could clear the way for gay couples to wed in New York.
State Supreme Court Justice Doris Ling-Cohan ruled the New York City clerk could not deny a license to any couple solely because the two people are of the same sex. She then stayed her 62-page decision for 30 days to allow an appeal.
Gay-rights activists hailed the ruling as a historic victory that "delivers the state constitution's promise of equality to all New Yorkers."
"The court recognized that unless gay people can marry, they are not being treated equally under the law," said Susan Sommer, a Lambda Legal lawyer who handled the case for five couples who filed the lawsuit in 2004.
"Same-sex couples need the protections and security marriage provides, and this ruling says they're entitled to get them the same way straight couples do," she added.
The New York City Law Department issued a statement saying, "We are reviewing the decision thoroughly and considering our options."
More
By Samuel Maull
Associated Press
Published February 5, 2005
NEW YORK -- A state judge ruled Friday that a law banning same-sex marriage violates the state constitution, a decision that could clear the way for gay couples to wed in New York.
State Supreme Court Justice Doris Ling-Cohan ruled the New York City clerk could not deny a license to any couple solely because the two people are of the same sex. She then stayed her 62-page decision for 30 days to allow an appeal.
Gay-rights activists hailed the ruling as a historic victory that "delivers the state constitution's promise of equality to all New Yorkers."
"The court recognized that unless gay people can marry, they are not being treated equally under the law," said Susan Sommer, a Lambda Legal lawyer who handled the case for five couples who filed the lawsuit in 2004.
"Same-sex couples need the protections and security marriage provides, and this ruling says they're entitled to get them the same way straight couples do," she added.
The New York City Law Department issued a statement saying, "We are reviewing the decision thoroughly and considering our options."
More