Same-Sex Couples Participating in the Marriage Equality Act of 2011

Residents of New York are still discussing the tremendous impact that the Marriage Equality Act of 2011 will have on current and future generations.

However, after much media speculation regarding its passage, residents are now taking advantage of this piece of legislature. The new law allows same-sex couples to marry one another and demands that all local and state courts and governments recognize such marriages. Additionally, the law says that the government cannot penalize any two people involved in a same-sex union.

Sponsored and written by Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell, the Act expanded on current New York legislation that recognizes same-sex marriages conducted in other states and countries. However, there were still limitations regarding cohabitation of same-sex couples and benefits that could be extended to partners.

New York is now the sixth state in the union to legalize same-sex marriage and offer certification services. If you want to learn more about the Marriage Equality Act or domestic partnerships, contact the Meyers Law Group to set up your consultation with a Long Island family law attorney today.