N.Y. Court Accepts Canadian Lesbian Marriage

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)