Gay Rights Activists call it a historic ruling, an appellate court has ruled New York must recognize same-sex marriages performed in Canada.
The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by a woman in Monroe County. I think it’s amazing, we’re all very excited about it,” Hineseley.
At a youth conference today- hosted by the Gay Alliance of Genesee valley, a sense of victory over the court ruling that New York must recognize gay marriages performed out of state.
Christopher Hineseley, the executive of the Gay Alliance, says it means stability for his wife and daughter. Something he is says is long overdue.
“It’s a great thing for families, it’s a great thing for couples,” who are trying to protect themselves financiallyand legally,” Hineseley.
The ruling comes after a lawsuit filed by an employee of Monroe Community College.
Patricia Martinez sued because she wanted health care benefits for her partner. The two married in Canada, but the college refused.
“We do not believe that gay marriage should be allowed or permitted in New York State,” Martinez.
Pastor Grant Aldridge of Glad Tidings Church in Rochester says the county must appeal the ruling.
“God has strictly spoken that for two men or two women to have sex together is an abomination.” “We do not hate gay people, but we do not approve of what they are doing,” Aldridge.
Hineseley says gay couples deserve the benefits given to married couples.
I think it’s getting harder to understand why someone would want to allow one couple to get married but not another”
It’s very hard to justify discrimination”
The judge that made this ruling says the state legislature can block these marriages from being acknowledged. But until that happens, they must be recognized in New York.
The New York Civil Liberties Union called the ruling a victory for families, justice and human rights.
Source: msnbc.msn.com