Yesterday I discussed some of the steps that my administration has taken to protect the rights of married couples. A clip from that news conference is below.
For decades, New York has had laws on the books designed to protect the rights of couples who were legally married in states and jurisdictions other than New York. I believe, and our courts strenuously agree, that those laws are meant to protect all legal marriages, including unions involving same-sex couples.
That is why I have ordered all New York State agencies to review their policies and ensure that none of the more than 1100 rights and privileges extended to married couples by the State are denied to same-sex couples granted marriage licenses in other states and jurisdictions.
If New York does not take this step, it would encourage discrimination and open our State to costly lawsuits.
I wanted to share this video with you all because I know that many of you believe as I do that government should not restrict the rights of an individual to marry whomever they choose. I also wanted you to know that I will use all legal means to ensure that same-sex couples are not discriminated against. To that end, I will continue to support a legislative solution that gives same-sex couples the right to marry in New York.