Same-sex marriage in New York

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  2. Licensed in some counties in Kansas but same-sex marriage is not recognized by the state
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  6. Only if married in Michigan when same-sex marriage was legal

*Not yet in effect

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Same-sex marriage has been legally recognized in New York since July 24, 2011, under the Marriage Equality Act, which was passed by the New York State Legislature on June 24, 2011 and signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo on the same day.[1][2] The Marriage Equality Act does not have a residency restriction, as some other states do, and allows religious organizations to decline to officiate same-sex wedding ceremonies.[3]

In 2006, the New York Court of Appeals ruled that the New York state constitution does not require same-sex marriage rights and left the question of recognition to the legislature.[4] Following the 2006 Court decision, the New York State Assembly passed same-sex marriage legislation in 2007, 2009, and 2011. However, the New York Senate rejected same-sex marriage legislation in a 38–24 vote on December 2, 2009.[5] After negotiations between Republican members of the Senate and Governor Andrew Cuomo, regarding protections against discrimination lawsuits for religious groups and non-profit organizations, the bill passed the State Senate by a vote of 33–29.[3] The law took effect on July 24, 2011.[1]

New York is the seventh state, after New Hampshire, and the eighth jurisdiction after the District of Columbia, to license same-sex marriages.

History

New Paltz mayor Jason West at a gay rally

New Paltz marriages

On February 27, 2004, New Paltz Mayor Jason West married 25 same-sex couples before a cheering crowd in front of the New Paltz Village Hall. Not long thereafter, the Ulster County District Attorney charged West with nineteen misdemeanors in connection with these marriages.[6] A court later dismissed the charges against West, a ruling which the state appealed. Ulster County Court Judge J. Michael Bruhn ruled in favor of the state, reinstating the charges against West, arguing that this criminal case did not concern whether the state constitution mandates same-sex marriage, but rather whether West violated his oath of office in performing illegal marriages. The May 2005 charges against West were reinstated; these were dropped by the prosecutor on July 12. After Liberty Counsel filed a civil lawsuit challenging the validity of the marriages, a state court judge issued a permanent injunction barring West from solemnizing same-sex marriages.[7][8]

On February 27, 2004, Nyack, New York, mayor John Shields announced that he would recognize the New Paltz marriages and on March 1, 2004, Ithaca mayor Carolyn K. Peterson declared that she would recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions.[9]

Two days later, then-Attorney General of New York Eliot Spitzer, a supporter of same-sex marriage, issued an "informal opinion" stating that municipal clerks should not issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples since the New York State Legislature had not intended for the Domestic Relations Law to cover same-sex couples.[10]

Lawsuits

Shortly after Attorney General Spitzer's informal opinion was issued, five separate lawsuits were filed contesting the constitutionality of New York's opposite-sex definition of marriage. At the trial level, four failed and one succeeded (though it was stayed and later reversed). At the intermediate appellate level, four failed and one was not decided. The cases were all rolled into one and heard by the Court of Appeals, the state's highest court, on May 31, 2006. On July 6, 2006, the Court of Appeals in Hernandez v. Robles[4] decided that New York law does not permit same-sex marriage and that there is no state constitutional right to same-sex marriage.

Following the Hernandez v Robles decision, the focus of the same-sex marriage battle shifted to the executive and legislative branches of government. During his successful campaign for Governor of New York, Attorney General Spitzer said that he would push to legalize same-sex marriage if elected,[11] and he proposed legislation to that effect to the state legislature on April 27, 2007. This legislation passed in the State Assembly on June 19, 2007, but the State Senate took no action and returned it to the Assembly.[12]

In February 2008, the Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Fourth Department ruled unanimously in Martinez v. County of Monroe[13] that because New York legally recognizes out-of-state marriages of opposite-sex couples, it must do the same for same-sex couples. On May 6, 2008, the Court of Appeals declined to hear Monroe County's appeal.[14] In November 2008, Monroe County announced that it would not pursue any further appeals of the Appellate Division's decision.[15]

Legislative activity

The moment of the Marriage Equality Act vote in balcony of the capital building in Albany, New York, the evening of July 24, 2011 photographed by Celebration Chapel of Kingston, NY.[16] People in foreground are wearing T-shirts bearing the logo of the Human Rights Campaign, one of many organizations backing the bill.

Same-sex marriage legislation passed the New York State Assembly for the first time on June 19, 2007.[17]

On March 12, 2008, Eliot Spitzer resigned his position as Governor of New York.[18] Following Spitzer's resignation, Lieutenant Governor David Paterson was sworn in as the 55th Governor of New York on March 17, 2008 by New York Chief Judge Judith Kaye. On April 9, 2008, the new governor pledged that he would continue to push for same-sex marriage legislation. The new governor said he was "proud to have run on a ticket with now former Gov. Eliot Spitzer that was the first in the country to advocate for marriage equality and to win on that premise." "We will push on and bring full marriage equality in New York State", Paterson said.[19]

On November 4, 2008, the Democratic Party gained a majority in the New York State Senate.[20] Following the elections, three dissenting Senate Democrats declined to assure Senate Democratic leader Malcolm Smith that they would vote for him as Senate Majority Leader when the Senate convened in January 2009.[21] In December 2008, an agreement was allegedly reached between Senator Smith and the so-called "Gang of Three"; reports indicated that as part of the deal, Senator Smith agreed not to bring same-sex marriage legislation to a floor vote in the Senate during the 2009–2010 legislative session.[22] However, on December 10, 2008, Senator Smith announced that the alleged agreement with three Democratic dissidents had been abandoned, and confirmed that he would not pledge to hold off on a same-sex marriage bill in the upcoming session.[23] Senator Smith's decision placed control of the Senate by the Democratic Party in doubt, thus jeopardizing the passage of same-sex marriage legislation[24] (since the Senate Republican leadership is opposed to same-sex marriage[25]). After reaching an agreement with three Democratic dissidents, Malcolm Smith was voted Senate Majority Leader on January 7, 2009.[26]

A bill to legalize same-sex marriage passed the New York State Assembly a second time in 2009.[27] Later in 2009, Sen. Thomas Duane (D-Manhattan) claimed that he had lined up support from a sufficient number of Senators to pass same-sex marriage legislation,[28] though opponents disagreed.[29] Senator Malcolm Smith stated he would not put the bill to a vote until he was sure it would pass.[30]

While same-sex marriage advocates declared that same-sex marriage would pass the Senate by the end of June 2009,[31] the bill was not debated and voted upon until December of that year. On December 2, 2009, same-sex marriage legislation was defeated on the floor of the New York State Senate by a vote of 24 to 38;[32] no Republican voted yes, eight Democrats voted no.[33][34] The Daily News described the defeat as a "major blow", while The New York Times stated that the defeat "all but ensures that the issue is dead in New York until at least 2011, when a new Legislature will be installed."[33][34] Elected officials and observers opined that the results of a 2009 special election in New York's 23rd Congressional District—in which a Republican candidate who had voted for same-sex marriage withdrew her candidacy in the face of a challenge from a Conservative Party candidate—had an impact on the marriage vote in the Senate.[35][36][37]

In late 2010, before the January 2011 expiration of his term as governor, David Paterson reached out to members of the New York State Senate in an attempt to gauge support for the passage of same-sex marriage legislation during a lame-duck session of the Legislature; however, the governor came to the conclusion that passage of the bill during the lame-duck session was not feasible.[38] When asked what would have to occur in order for same-sex marriage to be legalized in New York, Governor Paterson responded, "Get rid of the lobbyists", and added that same-sex marriage advocates had forced a Senate floor vote prematurely in December 2009.[38]

Marriage Equality Act

On June 15, 2011, the New York State Assembly passed the Marriage Equality Act, a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in New York, by a margin of 80 to 63; this was a smaller margin of victory than three same-sex marriage bills had attained in the Assembly in prior years.[39] In the Republican-controlled Senate, 3 Democrats and two Republicans who had voted against the 2009 bill indicated their support for legalizing same-sex marriage. The Senate passed the bill on June 24 by a 33–29 vote with 29 Democrats and four Republicans voting in favor.[3] The Gotham Gazette reported that the Senate rules were changed by the Democratic conference to prevent Democrat Ruben Diaz, Sr., an opponent of same-sex marriage, from motioning to lay the bill aside for debate; the rules were changed again during the vote to ensure it would conclude in time to make the 11 pm EDT newscasts.[40] Furthermore, Sen. Kevin Parker alleged that on the evening of June 24, the doors to the Senate chamber were locked to prevent senators from leaving the chamber when the bill was voted upon.[40] Rose Miller and Lois Needham had their wedding day, Nov. 22, 2011 in Syracuse, NY after the Marriage Equality Act was signed.[41]

Reactions

The bill's passage was celebrated by gay rights supporters both in New York and nationwide. The New York Times responded with an editorial backing the law saying, "New York State has made a powerful and principled choice."[42] Gay pride parades in celebration were held across the US.[43] Gay rights supporters expressed a belief that legalization in New York would lead to legalization elsewhere.[44]

The National Organization for Marriage pledged to spend $2 million in the 2012 elections to defeat the four Republicans and three Democrats who previously stated opposition to same-sex marriage but voted for the bill.[45] The Conservative Party of New York said it would withdraw support for any candidate who voted for the bill.[46][47] In addition to action from opponents in New York, the New York Times reported that the bill's passage spurred renewed activism from opponents in various places across the country.[46]

On July 12, 2011, the town clerk of Barker, New York, Laura Fotusky, resigned her position because she objects to same-sex marriage and thus would not sign marriage certificates for gay couples.[48][49] Her resignation came two weeks after another town clerk, from Volney, said she also objected to signing certificates but would not leave her position, saying a deputy clerk would have to do it.[50] The organization New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms said it would match the $25,000 salary Fotusky surrendered when she resigned.[51] Granby town clerk Ruth Sheldon did the same a few days later.[52] Ledyard Town Clerk Rose Marie Belforti made state and national headlines when she notified the Town of Ledyard that she would not sign marriage certificates for same-sex couples due to her religious beliefs. Belforti later delegated marriage applications to a deputy. Same-sex marriage advocates and some town residents criticized Belforti for taking this action, and resident Ed Easter attempted to unseat her in the fall of 2011. Belforti was re-elected by a substantial margin.[53]

On July 25, 2011, New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms, represented by Liberty Counsel, filed a lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court seeking an injunction against the Marriage Equality Act, alleging corruption and violations of the law in the process of passing the bill.[54] On November 18, 2011, Acting Supreme Court Justice Robert B. Wiggins ruled that the plaintiffs' case could proceed.[55] Justice Wiggins allowed the plaintiffs' claims under the Open Meetings Law, but dismissed other portions of the case. Justice Wiggins' opinion included the following: "It is ironic that much of the state’s brief passionately spews sanctimonious verbiage on the separation of powers in the governmental branches, and clear arm-twisting by the Executive on the Legislative permeates this entire process."[55] On July 6, 2012, a five-judge panel of the Appellate Division ruled unanimously that no violation of the Open Meetings Law had occurred and dismissed the suit.[56] On August 6, 2012, Liberty Counsel appealed to the New York Court of Appeals,[57] which declined to hear the appeal on October 23.[58]

Four Republican state senators−Sens. James Alesi, Mark Grisanti, Roy McDonald, and Stephen Saland−voted in favor of same-sex marriage. On May 9, 2012, Alesi announced that he would not run for re-election and indicated that his vote on same-sex marriage would have "severely hampered" his chances in a Republican primary.[59] Grisanti, McDonald, and Saland faced primary challenges in 2012. Grisanti won his primary by a large margin,[60] and won re-election.[61] McDonald lost the Republican primary to Saratoga County Clerk Kathleen Marchione,[62][63] who went on to win the general election.[64] Saland defeated primary challenger Neil Di Carlo by 107 votes,[65] but lost the general election to Democrat Terry Gipson by a margin of approximately 2,000 votes.[66] Di Carlo appeared on the Conservative Party line, receiving approximately 15,000 votes.[66] Of the four Republican state senators who voted in favor of the Marriage Equality Act, only one was re-elected to the State Senate in 2012.[67]

Recognition of out-of-state same-sex marriages

Prior to the passage of same-sex marriage legislation, there was litigation in New York courts regarding the recognition of same-sex marriage licenses from other jurisdictions.

In October 2004, State Comptroller Alan Hevesi indicated that the state's retirement system would recognize same-sex marriages performed outside New York State for purposes of state retirement and pension benefits. Not long thereafter, mayor Michael Bloomberg stated that he would ask that the city's five pension systems recognize domestic partnerships, civil unions, and same-sex marriages of city employees performed in other jurisdictions (such as Massachusetts, Canada, Iowa, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Vermont, Oregon, Maine, Hawaii, Colorado, Nevada, Wisconsin, Connecticut, California, the District of Columbia and Washington).

In February 2008, the Appellate Division, Fourth Department ruled that a same-sex marriage consummated in Canada should be recognized in New York. In Martinez v. County of Monroe,[13] the court reasoned that because out-of-state opposite-sex marriages that would not have been legal in New York nonetheless are recognized unless such recognition would violate the public policy of the state, out-of-state same-sex marriages must be similarly recognized. The Appellate Division reversed a trial judge's ruling in 2006 that Monroe Community College did not have to extend health benefits to an employee's same-sex spouse. Monroe County subsequently announced its intention to move for leave to appeal the decision to the Court of Appeals, New York State's highest courts. However, the Court of Appeals refused to hear the case on May 6, 2008, allowing the lower court's ruling to stand. In November 2008, Monroe County announced that it would not pursue any further appeals of the Appellate Division's decision.[15]

On May 29, 2008, Governor David Paterson directed all New York State agencies to begin to revise their policies and regulations to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions. Governor Paterson's directive cited the Appellate Division decision in the Martinez case, as well as several lower court rulings.[13] As a result of the governor's directive, New York became the first state that did not allow same-sex marriages, but whose state agencies recognized same-sex marriages performed elsewhere. In addition, same-sex couples in New York had the option to travel to states where same-sex marriage was possible to get married and have their marriages fully recognized by New York State agencies.

Governor Paterson's directive was challenged as both premature and unconstitutional in an Article 78 proceeding filed on June 3, 2008, against Governor Paterson by the Alliance Defense Fund on behalf of several state legislators and conservative leaders; this lawsuit failed at all levels. On September 2, 2008, Justice Lucy A. Billings, of the State Supreme Court in Bronx, New York, issued a decision that Governor Paterson acted within his powers when he required state agencies to recognize same-sex marriages from outside the state. Justice Billings found that the governor's order was consistent with state laws on the recognition of marriages from other jurisdictions.[68] The Court of Appeals agreed to hear this and another case on same-sex marriage recognition in 2009.[69] The Court decided these cases on narrow grounds, finding that the state acted within its authority without reaching the issue of marriage recognition; however, a three-justice minority would have ruled more broadly in support of marriage recognition.[70][71]

The courts have continued to rule that out-of-state same-sex marriages are valid—in particular, authorizing same-sex divorces[72][73] and conferring inheritance rights.[74]

Economic impact of allowing same sex couples to marry

The New York City Comptroller's office issued an updated economic analysis in May 2009 finding that New York State's economy could gain $210 million in the three years immediately following the legalization of marriage for same-sex couples.[75]

According to Mayor Bloomberg, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta and New York City Clerk Michael McSweeney, "same sex-marriages in New York City have generated an estimated $259 million in economic impact and $16 million in City revenues" in the first year after the enactment of the Marriage Equality Act.[76]

Public opinion

An April 2009 Siena poll of likely New York voters indicated that 53% of voters supported same-sex marriage and 39% opposed it.[77] The April poll showed that registered Democrats supported same-sex marriage by a 59% to 35% margin, while registered Republicans opposed it by virtually the same margin, 59% to 31%. A SurveyUSA poll from the same time period showed 49% of New Yorkers supporting Same-Sex marriage with 44% opposed.[78] However, a May 26 Siena poll indicated an even, 46%–46% split on the issue.[79]

According to a Quinnipiac University poll released on May 14, 2009, New York voters were evenly split—46% to 46%—on same-sex marriage.[80] The May 14 poll showed that same-sex marriage was opposed by majorities of African-Americans (57%–35%), Republicans (68%–24%), white Catholics (53%–39%), and white Protestants (55%–38%).[80] However, a Quinnipiac poll dated June 23, 2009 showed that New York State voters support same-sex marriage 51-41 percent, with eight percent undecided.[81][82] According to the June 23 poll, the proposal wins 52 – 42 percent support from white voters and 55 – 39 percent from Hispanics. African-American voters polled 43 percent in favor and 42 percent opposed.

In 2010, The New York Times estimated support for same-sex marriage in New York at 58 percent, based on projections from 2008 and a nationwide CNN poll in August 2010.[83]

An April 2011 Siena College survey found that 58% of New York voters supported the legalization of same-sex marriage, while 36% were opposed and 6% did not know or had no opinion.[84]

Following the passage of the Marriage Equality Act, a Marist Poll reported that 55% of New York adults supported the legalization of same-sex marriage and 63% did not want the law overturned.[85]

A December 2012 Quinnipiac University poll showed that New Yorkers widely favored same sex marriage. 60% favored same sex marriage, while 33% were opposed. 7% were unsure.[86]

A December 2013 Public Religion Research Institute survey found that 60% of New York residents support same-sex marriage, while 32% opposed, and 9% didn't know or refused to answer.[87]

A March 2014 Roanoke/ Rutgers-Eagleton/ Siena college study found that 65% of New York residents favored gay marriage, while 32% opposed. 3% were unsure.[88]

Timeline

Timeline of civil suits for same-sex marriage

Hernández case

Shields case

Samuels case

Seymour case

Kane case

Legislative history

Session Bill number(s) Date introduced Sponsor(s) # of cosponsors Latest status
2009–2010 S04401 April 16, 2009 Sen. Thomas Duane (D-New York) 18 Failed in the Senate (38–24)
A07732 April 16, 2009 Assemb. Daniel O'Donnell (D-New York) 55 Passed the Assembly (89–52)
2011–2012 A08354 June 14, 2011 Assemb. Daniel O'Donnell (D-New York) 67 Passed the Assembly (80–63)[122]

Passed the Senate (33–29)[3]
Signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo[3][123]

See also

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 After Long Wait, Same-Sex Couples Marry in New York
  2. At Clerks’ Offices, Girding for More Weddings
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Confessore, Nicholas; Barbaro, Michael (June 24, 2011). "New York Allows Same-Sex Marriage, Becoming Largest State to Pass Law". The New York Times. Retrieved June 25, 2011.
  4. 4.0 4.1 "Hernandez v Robles (2006 NY Slip Op 05239)". Retrieved August 14, 2008.
  5. Peters, Jeremy W. (December 2, 2009). "New York State Senate Votes Down Gay Marriage Bill". The New York Times.
  6. Kolker, Robert (March 8, 2004). "The Marrying Kind". New York Magazine. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  7. "Liberty Counsel press release: Judge Issues Permanent Injunction Against New Paltz Mayor Jason West Ordering Him to Stop Illegally Solemnizing Same-Sex Unions". June 7, 2004. Retrieved July 20, 2008.
  8. Jesse M. Smith (February 27, 2005). "Year after New Paltz weddings, the honeymoon is over". DailyFreeman.com. Daily Freeman. Retrieved September 23, 2008.
  9. Crampton, Thomas; Michelle York (March 2, 2004). "Hoping Courts Will Address Same-Sex Marriage, Ithaca Begins Accepting Licenses". The New York Times. Retrieved October 17, 2008.
  10. "N.Y. attorney general urges halt to same-sex marriages". CNN. March 3, 2004. Retrieved September 25, 2012.
  11. Hakim, Danny (October 7, 2006). "Spitzer Vows to Push for Gay Marriage". The New York Times. Retrieved July 20, 2008.
  12. "Assembly Bill 8590".
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 http://www.nycourts.gov/ad4/court/Decisions/2008/02-01-08/PDF/1562.pdf
  14. "NY High Court Refuses Gay Marriage Case". May 6, 2008. Archived from the original on June 9, 2008. Retrieved July 20, 2008.
  15. 15.0 15.1 "Monroe County ends same-sex marriage challenge". Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. DemocratAndChronicle.com. November 22, 2008. Retrieved December 7, 2013.
  16. "KEEPING HIS VOW: Man invites same-sex couples to wed at his Kingston chapel". DailyFreeman.com. Retrieved 2011-12-05.
  17. "New York Assembly passes gay marriage | News Story on". 365gay.com. Retrieved 2011-06-27.
  18. 18.0 18.1 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
  19. "Marriage Equality coming if Governor Paterson has his way". Rochester Turning. April 10, 2008. Retrieved May 17, 2012.
  20. Gormley, Michael. "Democrats Take Control of New York Senate". NBC New York. Retrieved 2011-06-27.
  21. Scott, Brendan (November 13, 2008). "Gop Boss: We've Still Got Senate". New York Post.
  22. 22.0 22.1 Confessore, Nicholas (December 4, 2008). "3 Senate Democrats End Holdout in Return for Power Sharing". The New York Times. Retrieved December 7, 2008.
  23. 23.0 23.1 Hakim, Danny (December 10, 2008). "Senate Accord Falls Apart, Putting Leadership in Question Again". The New York Times. Retrieved December 12, 2008.
  24. 24.0 24.1 James Vielkind (December 10, 2008). "Smith Suspends Negotiations, Prepares for Life in the Minority if Necessary". The New York Observer. Retrieved May 17, 2012.
  25. 26.0 26.1
  26. Peters, Jeremy W. (May 13, 2009). "N.Y. Assembly Passes Gay Marriage Bill". The New York Times. Retrieved May 23, 2010.
  27. Blain, Glenn (June 1, 2009). "Gay marriage will pass state Senate, says Manhattan Sen. Thomas Duane". Daily News (New York).
  28. John Del Signore (June 3, 2009). "State Senate Survey Suggests Gay Marriage Bill Won't Pass". Gothamist. Retrieved 2011-06-27.
  29. Melloy, Kilian (June 5, 2009). "Marriage Equality Debate Reaches Boiling Point in New York State". EDGE Boston. Retrieved June 9, 2009.
  30. "Governor pushes same sex marriage debate to front burner". Downtownexpress.com. Retrieved 2011-06-27.
  31. Dwyer Arce (December 2, 2009). "New York Senate rejects same-sex marriage legislation". JURIST — Paper Chase.
  32. 33.0 33.1 Benjamin, Elizabeth (December 2, 2009). "Gay Marriage Fails, 24–38". Daily News. Retrieved December 2, 2009.
  33. 34.0 34.1 Peters, Jeremy W. (December 2, 2009). "New York State Senate Votes Down Gay Marriage Bill". The New York Times.
  34. Tom Precious (December 3, 2009). "Gay marriage not likely to come to Senate again soon". Archived from the original on December 7, 2009. Retrieved May 17, 2012.
  35. Vick, Karl (December 3, 2009). "N.Y. State Senate votes down gay marriage bill by wide margin". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 20, 2010.
  36. Hakim, Danny (November 6, 2009). "Marriage for Gays on Agenda in New York". The New York Times. Retrieved May 20, 2010.
  37. 38.0 38.1 Kaplan, Thomas (December 1, 2010). "Paterson Gives Up Push to Legalize Gay Marriage". The New York Times.
  38. Lovett, Kenneth (June 15, 2011). "New York Assembly passes bill to legalize gay marriage 80-63; Legislation now heads to Senate". Daily News (New York).
  39. 40.0 40.1 "Why Sen. Kevin Parker Got Mad". Gothamgazette.com. June 25, 2011. Retrieved 2011-12-05.
  40. " Longtime same-sex couples celebrate 'marriage equality' theme at CNY Pride Parade and Festival", SYRACUSE.COM, on June 15, 2013 at 8:20 PM, updated June 16, 2013 at 12:50 AM.
  41. "Gay Marriage: A Milestone". New York Times. June 26, 2011. Retrieved June 27, 2011.
  42. "Gay marriage advocates celebrate from coast to coast". Mercury News. Retrieved June 27, 2011.
  43. "Gay marriage backers hope for national boost from New York". Politico. Retrieved June 27, 2011.
  44. "Nompacny.Org". Nationformarriage.org. Retrieved 2011-12-05.
  45. 46.0 46.1 New York’s Approval of Same-Sex Marriage Spurs Opponents for New Fights
  46. Nahimas, Laura (June 29, 2011). "Will voting for gay marriage help or hurt Republican senators". The Capitol. Archived from the original on 2011-07-06. Retrieved May 17, 2012.
  47. "Southern Tier town clerk quits, cites her opposition to gay marriage". The Post-Standard. Associated Press. July 12, 2011. Retrieved May 17, 2012.
  48. "N.Y. town clerk resigns before same-sex marriage law goes into effect". CNN. July 13, 2011. Retrieved 2011-12-05.
  49. "Volney, NY Clerk Doesn't Want To Sign Gay Marriage Licenses, Saying It's Against Her Morals". Daily News (New York). June 29, 2011. Retrieved 2011-12-05.
  50. Hamilton, Alec. "Cuomo: Clerks Against Same-Sex Marriage "Don't Get to Pick and Choose"". Wnyc.org. Retrieved 2011-12-05.
  51.  . "Granby appoints new town clerk after Sheldon resigns over same-sex marriage licenses". Centralny.ynn.com. Retrieved 2011-12-05.
  52. "Tragedy, tension, turmoil: Biggest stories of 2011". The Citizen (Auburn). December 25, 2011. Retrieved May 17, 2012.
  53. "Lawsuit filed over New York same-sex marriage law". CNN. July 25, 2011. Retrieved 2011-12-05.
  54. 55.0 55.1 Kaplan, Thomas (November 29, 2011). "Judge Says Lawsuit Against Gay Marriage Law in New York May Proceed". The New York Times.
  55. "NY appeals court rules open meeting law not broken in passage of sex marriage law". Washington Post. 6 July 2012. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
  56. Snow, Justin (August 7, 2012). "Anti-Gay Group Challenges Marriage Equality In New York". Metro Weekly. Retrieved August 7, 2012.
  57. Lovett, Ken (October 23, 2012). "Court of Appeals refuses to hear gay marriage appeal". Metro Weekly. Retrieved October 23, 2012.
  58. Lovett, Kenneth (May 9, 2012). "State Sen. who voted for gay marriage one of 4 GOPers who voted for gay marriage last year, won't run for reelection - believing that vote weakened him politically". New York Daily News. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  59. "Deadlocked races for two GOPers who backed gay marriage in New York". Politico.Com. September 13, 2012. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  60. Vogel, Charity (November 7, 2012). "Grisanti wins in state Senate's 60th district". Buffalo News. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  61. "Kathy Marchione declares victory in Republican primary for 43rd Senate District". Troy Record. September 25, 2012. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  62. DeWitt, Karen (September 28, 2012). "Sen. Roy McDonald to leave race after losing GOP Primary". North Country Public Radio. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  63.   (2012-11-07). "Republican Marchione cruises to victory in 43rd Senate District". Hudsonvalley.ynn.com. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
  64. Davis, John (September 25, 2012). "Saland ekes out GOP primary win". The Poughkeepsie Journal. Retrieved October 3, 2012.
  65. 66.0 66.1 "Saland's Defeat "Unfortunate," Cuomo Says". Polhudson.lohudblogs.com. 2012-12-13. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
  66. Kaplan, Thomas (December 13, 2012). "In Final Tally, Vote for Gay Marriage Costs 3 Republicans". The New York Times.
  67. 68.0 68.1 Confessore, Nicholas (September 3, 2008). "Court Backs Paterson Regarding Gay Unions". The New York Times. Retrieved May 23, 2010.
  68. New York Law Journal. 2009 http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202434427407&rss=newswire. Missing or empty |title= (help) Retrieved October 12, 2009
  69. Leonard, Arthur S. (November 19, 2009). "New York Court of Appeals Rejects Two Challenges to Marriage Recognition Policies".
  70. Grossman, Joanna L. (November 24, 2009). "New York's Highest Court Upholds Benefits for Same-Sex Spouses in Narrow Ruling".
  71. Sanderson, Bill; Calabrese, Erin (October 25, 2008). "Ny Judge Oks Gay Divorcées". New York Post.
  72. Noeleen G. Walder All Articles (February 4, 2009). "N.Y. Judge Finds Man Entitled to Inherit Same-Sex Partner's Estate". Law.com. Retrieved 2011-06-27.
  73. "THOMPSON: NYS ECONOMY WOULD GAIN $210 MILLION AFTER LEGALIZATION OF MARRIAGE FOR SAME-SEX COUPLES". New York City Comptroller. May 26, 2009. Archived from the original on 2009-05-30.
  74. "NYC Same-Sex Marriages Generate $259 Million in Economic Impact". New York City. July 24, 2012.
  75. Lovett, Kenneth (April 20, 2009). "Has gay marriage reached a tipping point in New York? Poll shows majority approve of gov's bill". Daily News. Retrieved May 8, 2009.
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