Same-Sex Marriages in New York

Judge Doris Ling-Cohan, a Manhattan judge, ruled on February 4, 2005 that the New York city clerk may not deny marriage licenses to same-sex couples.  She explained that she believes that a New York law prohibiting same-sex unions is unconstitutional as violating both the due process and equal protection clauses of the New York and United States constitutions.

The ruling, however, will not go into effect for 30 days and perhaps longer if it is appealed.  An appeal by New York is expected.