Hate wins today in court...

In a decision that will undoubtedly rally homophobes nationwide, New York's Court of Appeals ruled today that New York state law prohibits gay marriages.

According to the NY Times, it left open the possibility that the divided state Legislature could decide to allow same-sex marriages, but if so, it will happen only after a long uphill battle.

Two of the six judges dissented, one quite eloquently.

...In her often stirring dissent, Chief Judge Judith Kaye, joined by Judge Carmen Beauchamp Ciparick, offered a departure from the dry legal language of the main decision, noting that the plaintiffs represented a cross-section of ordinary New Yorkers, including a police officer, a doctor, a teacher and an artist, who wanted "only to live full lives, raise their children, better their communites and be good neighbors."

Judge Kaye added: "For most of us, leading a full life includes establishing a family," and looking forward to a wedding "as among the most significant events of their lives."

She suggested that it was wrong for the plaintiffs to be denied the rights and responsibilities of civil marriage, "because of who they love," adding that New York had a tradition of equal rights, and "the court today retreats from that proud tradition."

Indeed, it's wrong, as future generations will undoubtedly decide.

Complete story here.