Lambda Legal Statement on Marriages of Same-Sex Couples in New Paltz, New York

Lambda Legal tonight issued the following statement on New Paltz, New York, Mayor Jason West's decision to begin performing marriages of same-sex couples on Friday, February 27. Mayor West will solemnize the marriages without marriage licenses being issued; according to Lambda Legal, state law allows marriages to be solemnized without marriage licenses being issued.

"New York law says that a marriage should not be void just because no license was issued. State courts have upheld that previously.

"The couples who will get married in New Paltz need the protections and support that only marriage can provide. Their marriages should be respected just like anyone else's.

"When democratically elected public officials swear to uphold the Constitution and treat everyone equally, that promise includes lesbians and gay men. It's encouraging to see elected officials take their duty seriously."

-- David Buckel, Director of Lambda Legal's Marriage Project

Lambda Legal represents seven same-sex couples in a lawsuit seeking full marriage rights in New Jersey (Buckel is lead counsel in that case), is helping defend the City of San Francisco as it continues issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples (with the ACLU and NCLR), and is working with many other lesbians and gay men who have been seriously harmed because they were not allowed to get married.

Contact: Fred Shank; 212-809-8585, x267