NOW Celebrates Victory for Same-Sex Couples in New York

February 8, 2005

By Leanne Libert, Publications Coordinator

Same-sex couples in New York celebrated victory last week when a state trial court ruled in a strongly-worded opinion that same-sex couples have the right to marry in New York City.

"We're heartened by this decision, because it moves us one step closer toward full marriage equality," said NOW Action Vice President Olga Vives. "We all must celebrate this decision, but our work will not stop until all same-sex couples in every state have equality."

Judge Doris Ling-Cohan ruled that the New York State Constitution guarantees basic freedoms to lesbian and gay people, and that those rights are violated when same-sex couples are not allowed to marry.

Most historic in this decision was the language used in the judge's ruling, emphasizing marriage as a fundamental right of each person in the United States.

"Marriage is viewed by society as the utmost expression of a couple's commitment and love," Ling-Cohan wrote. "Similar to opposite-sex couples, same-sex couples are entitled to the same fundamental right to follow their hearts and publicly commit to a lifetime partnership with the person of their choosing."

The ruling in this case applies to marriage licenses in the five boroughs, and the city was given 30 days in which to appeal before licenses would be issued. Activists unsuccessfully lobbied Republican Mayor Michael Bloomberg not to appeal the decision.

NOW applauds this decision and urges other judges to support marriage equality. Allowing same-sex couples to marry expands and ensures the civil liberties of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, while demonstrating a commitment to fairness and justice for all people in the U.S. As a civil rights, feminist organization, NOW remains committed to its mission to help create a more equitable and just society so that all individuals are treated with dignity and equality under the law.