Gay Marriage Laws in New York

One of the most liberal states and cities in the country, New york, New York, does not take part in New York gay marriage. New York Marriages may only take place between one man and one woman. There is a large number of gay people living in New York state that would fight everyday for the right to be recognized in a New York marriage.

As for now, New Yorkers will have to travel to nearby Massachusetts if they would like to get married and be a New york gay couple that has been married in another state. In 2008, New York governor David Patterson issued a directive requiring that the state recognize all same-sex that took place in other states. New York state does recognize and give state benefits to New York gay couples who got married elsewhere.

Being a state that gives New York gay couples who have been married somewhere else the same rights as other New York marriages as far as state rights go, makes New York an attractive place for gay couples to reside.


The New York Assembly has had no problems passing bills to be passed up to the Senate regarding gays and their right to have a New York marriage, but the Senate repeatedly rejects them, most recently in December of 2009. The state has shown that it is ready to move on and allow same-sex marriage as many straight people feel it is none of their business or they simply have no problem with two people of the same sex joining together in marriage.

The people in charge however have shown to be stuck in their own ways even though there is no harm that a same-sex marriage taking place could possibly harm them in their daily lives. Supporters of New York gay marriage are ready to move have been ready for change for many years and believe it is about time everyone is treated as equals.


As a sign of rebellion, New Paltz mayor Jason West married 25 same-sex couples. The gay New York marriages which were performed all at once were quickly shot down just like the Senator in New Mexico who married gays couples. Not only were the marriages ruled invalid but Mayor West was charged with 19 misdemeanors. Those charges were dropped and then reinstated only to be fought against in court and dropped again for good.

It will always be one of the most outspoken places, especially when it comes to fighting for gay's rights to marry. In time it is likely that New York will be one of the states that offers same-sex marriages or at least their own civil unions.