ACLU sues N.Y. over same-sex marriage

NEW YORK, April 7 (UPI) -- The ACLU has filed a lawsuit against New York State, challenging the constitutionality of the state's law prohibiting same-sex marriage.

The petition was filed in Albany by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of 13 gay and lesbian couples, the Advocate reported.

"This case is about ending the discrimination that is currently written into the marriage laws of New York," said Donna Lieberman of the New York Civil Liberties Union.

The NYCLU, along with the ACLU and a Manhattan firm, filed the lawsuit in state supreme court. The plaintiffs include Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell, brother of comedian Rose O'Donnell, and his partner of 23 years, John Banta.

The suit charges state health regulations defining marriage as between a man and a woman violate the state constitution's equal protection, privacy, and due process provisions.