NY Judge Throws Out Anti-Gay Marriage Lawsuit Against Paterson

A New York judge has rejected a lawsuit brought by the right-wing Christian group Alliance Defense Fund against New York Governor David Paterson, aimed to thwart his directive that New York state recognize same-sex marriages performed out-of-state:

"In a ruling Tuesday, state Supreme Court Judge Lucy Billings said the policy is a 'permissible, if not mandated, step toward the objective of equality' for gays. Her finding comes as thousands of gay New Yorkers are expected to take advantage of a new Massachusetts law letting them wed there. Paterson's counsel told state agencies in May that a recent appellate court ruling required them to recognize gay marriages legally performed elsewhere."