New York

The following is an overview of the laws of the state of New York. It should not be used as legal advice and is provided as information only. Family Fairness does not warrant that this information is current or comprehensive.
Updated: 05/20/2009

Same-Sex Relationships

Performs Same-Sex Marriages
High court ruled that it did not violate the state constitution to deny marriage to same-sex couples. Hernandez v. Robles, 855 N.E.2d 1 (N.Y. 2006)
No
Recognizes Out-of-State Same-Sex Marriage
Full marriage rights for couples married in other jurisdictions. Martinez v. County of Monroe, 850 N.Y.S.2d 740 (4th Dept. 2008).
Yes
Other Recognition: None No

 

Gay and Lesbian Adoption

Single LGBT Adoption
State law permits any unmarried adult to adopt. N.Y. DOM. REL. § 110.
"Applicants shall not be rejected solely on the basis of homosexuality." N.Y. COMP. CODES R. & REGS. tit. 18, § 421.16(h)(2).
Yes
Joint Same-Sex Adoption
No explicit prohibition. Some lower courts have interpreted precedent to allow joint adoption by same-sex parents.
Maybe
Gay or lesbian adoption of a partner's child
High court ruled that a same-sex co-parent may adopt his or her partner’s child or a child of that relationship. In the Matter of Jacob, 660 N.E.2d 397 (N.Y. 1995).
Yes

 

Housing Discrimination

Protections on the basis of sexual orientation
NY EXEC. LAW§ 296, 296-a.
Yes
Protections on the basis of gender identity
No explicit protections, but some courts have recognized claims of discrimination on the basis of sex.
Maybe

 

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