All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Same-sex couples who have entered into marriages outside of New York State must be recognized, a state appellate court ruled Friday. The case, filed by the New York Civil Liberties Union, is the first known appellate court decision made nationwide that validates same-sex marriages.
The case, Martinez v. County of Monroe, was filed in 2005 by Patricia Martinez, who sought health care benefits for her female partner whom she married in Canada the previous year. She was employed by the Monroe Community College in Rochester, N.Y.
New York State law requires legal bodies to recognize marriages that were solemnized outside of the state.
"This is a victory for families, it's a victory for fairness and it's a victory for human rights," Donna Lieberman, executive director of the NYCLU, said in a statement. "Congratulations to all same-sex couples validly married outside of New York State: You are now considered married in New York as well. Now we need to work toward a New York where you don't have to cross state or country lines to get married." (The Advocate)
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Here Are Our 2024 Election Predictions. Will They Come True?
17 Celebs Who Are Out & Proud of Their Trans & Nonbinary Kids
Here Are the 15 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities in the U.S.
Which State Is the Queerest? These Are the States With the Most LGBTQ+ People
These 27 Senate Hearing Room Gay Sex Jokes Are Truly Exquisite
10 Cheeky and Homoerotic Photos From Bob Mizer's Nude Films
42 Flaming Hot Photos From 2024's Australian Firefighters Calendar
These Are the 5 States With the Smallest Percentage of LGBTQ+ People
Here are the 15 gayest travel destinations in the world: report
Trending Stories & News
For more news and videos on advocatechannel.com, click here.