New York Gay Weddings Spread To Albany

New York Gay Weddings Spread To Albany
by Beth Shapiro
365Gay.com Newscenter
New York Bureau

Posted: March 28, 2004 12:01 a.m. ET

(New York City) There were more gay weddings in New Paltz, New York this weekend, and for the first time in Albany, the state capital.

Two same-sex couples were married Saturday morning at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Albany.

Elissa Kane married her partner Lynne Lekakis and Robert Barnes was wed to George Jurgsatis. The ceremonies were performed by the Rev. Sam Trumbore.

He's one of a growing number of Unitarian minister challenging New York State family law which does not permit gay marriage.

Ministers from other denominations were present to witness the ceremony and offered their support for the rights of the newly married couples.

Meanwhile, in New Paltz, another 11 same-sex couples were married in ceremonies Saturday.

Three Unitarian ministers and one from the United Church of Christ officiated. For the first time since same-sex wedding began in New Paltz Feb. 27 there were no police present.

County District Attorney Donald Williams charged New Paltz Village Mayor Jason West with 19 misdemeanors for solemnizing marriages Feb. 27 without marriage licenses being provided by the couples. (story)

Williams filed similar charges against Unitarian Universalist ministers Kay Greenleaf and Dawn Sangrey after they performed weddings for gay couples on March 6. (story)

Clergy also have performed three same-sex weddings on the steps of New York City Hall. Prosecutors there opted not to press charges.
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