By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – The New York State Court of Appeals has said "no" to gay marriage. But members of Buffalo's gay and lesbian community say they plan to call on the State Legislature to change the marriage law.
The State's high court ruling says same sex couples can not legally marry in New York. But members of the gay and lesbian community say their civil rights are being violated. Lynn Tranchell is with Empire State Pride Agenda. She says she was extremely disappointed by the court's decision.
"I'm a bit numb. One of the reasons I like New York State, it is always at the forefront of eliminating discrimination. This decision is a big disappointment," said Tranchell.
Tim Moran is with Outcome Buffalo. He says he was very surprised by the ruling. Moran says gay couples should be allowed to wed and deserve the same benefits as other married couples.
"You are not consider a family when you declare your income taxes, employment benefits,or any of those things that our parents and thousands of married people receive as benefits," said Moran.
The New York State Bar Association agrees that gay and lesbian couple should be allowed to wed and offered the same legal rights. Bar association president Mark Alcott says they are calling on the Legislature to change the marriage rules. Alcott believes the state needs to eliminate what he referred to as inequities against gay couples.
"The issue is not one of social acceptance, that is not a matter for the bar association or the legislature. But when it comes to legal inequities that is a matter for the legislature and something our association is going to speak out about," Alcott said.
Governor George Pataki said he was satisfied to learn that his administration's position on the issue was upheld. But Pataki is not seeking re-election and new leadership will take over in next year. This could become a campaign issue. So far, Elliott Spitzer, the democratic candidate, who has been leading the polls, says he supports same-sex marriage.