Court: Gay unions must be honored

A state appeals court ruled that valid same-sex marriages performed in other states or countries must be recognized in New York, the first known ruling of its kind in the country, a rights group said.

“This is a victory for families, it’s a victory for fairness and it’s a victory for human rights,” said Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union.

The case was brought by two women who were married in Canada and sought spousal benefits from a Rochester community college where one was employed.

Massachusetts is the only state that allows same-sex marriage.