Monroe County officials have lost their appeal of an appellate court's decision recognizing the out-of-state marriage of a lesbian couple. The ruling by New York's highest court upheld the lower court's unanimous decision, and represents a significant victory for gay and lesbian couples throughout the state.
The case of Martinez v. County of Monroe was filed by the NYCLU and attorney Jeffrey Wicks on behalf of Patricia Martinez, an employee of Monroe Community College. Martinez sought health-care benefits for her wife after they were married in Canada in 2004.