Although same-sex marriages cannot legally be performed in New York, Paterson said the state must recognize as valid such marriages from places were they are allowed, such as Massachusetts and Canada, if those couples come to the state, The New York Times (NYSE:NYT) reported Wednesday.

His view was upheld by a trial court judge in New York City. Justice Lucy Billings dismissed a lawsuit brought by dissident state legislators and anti-same-sex marriage activists, saying Paterson's move was consistent with state law that generally recognizes marriages from other jurisdictions. The law, however, is silent on same-sex marriages, the newspaper said.

Paterson praised Billings' ruling, saying it was "a wise and fair determination of the policy that holds valid same-sex marriages legally performed in other states."

Jim Campbell, a spokesman for the plaintiffs, told the Times has group would appeal the ruling.