New York Appeals Court Hears Gay Marriage Arguments

The Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court heard arguments in three separate cases brought on behalf of gay couples denied marriage licenses on Monday.  The judges are being asked to strike down a state law barring same-sex marriage. Lawyers for the gay couples argued that the State of New York is denying them their fundamental constitutional rights by denying them the licenses.  The five-judge panel was told by lawyers for the gay couples that their clients were being unfairly denied marriage-related benefits ranging from health-care insurance to favorable home interest rates.  Peter Schiff, senior counsel with the attorney general's office, told the judges that the plaintiffs wanted the courts to rewrite the definition of marriage. He said that job is best handled by the legislative branch of government. Source. Michael Hill, Associated Press Writer,  Newsday.com. For the complete story, please click here (last visited October 19, 2005, reo).