ALBANY – The Court of Appeals, New York State’s top court, refused to hear an appeal challenging the Marriage Equality Act, which legalizes same-sex marriage. 

The ruling from the seven-judge panel came without comment.  It upholds a unanimous lower-court ruling on a technical issue that closed door meetings involving senators and supporters of the law may have violated the state’s open meetings law. 

“Today, the New York State Court of Appeals, the highest court in the State, denied leave to appeal the validity of the Marriage Equality Act, which affords same-sex couples in this State the right to marry”, said Governor Andrew Cuomo.  “New York State has served as a beacon for progressive ideals and this statute is a clear reminder of what this State stands for: equality and justice for all. With the Court’s decision, same-sex couples no longer have to worry that their right to marry could be legally challenged in this State. The freedom to marry in this State is secure for generations to come.”

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman issued a similar statement.  “Today another barrier has been overcome in the struggle for full equality for gay and lesbian New Yorkers”.