A New York appeals court ruled today that same-sex couples married in other states, but now residing in New York State, should receive government benefits.
The 4-3 decision stopped short of declaring that gay marriage should be legalized, but encouraged the Legislature to "deal" with the issue.
Gov. David Paterson has been pushing lawmakers to legalize same-sex marriage before the end of the year.
Bruce Hausknecht, judicial analyst with Focus on the Family Action, said despite the bad decision, there is a silver lining.
"The high court continues to leave the ultimate decision-making about the definition of marriage in the hands of the Legislature," he said, "which is much more accountable to New York voters than unelected judges."
