Same-Sex Weddings
Continue in New Paltz
New York Lawyer
By The Associated Press
NEW PALTZ, N.Y. -- Five ministers married 16 same-sex couples Saturday in this Hudson Valley village, two weeks after a similar group of ceremonies in defiance of authorities who have charged two ministers with performing such ceremonies without a license.

There were no arrests and eight people showed up briefly to protest, said James Fallarino, a spokesman for the organizers. The presiding clergy included three Universalist Unitarian ministers, one from the United Church of Christ and an Interfaith minister, he said.

Universalist Unitarian ministers Kay Greenleaf and Dawn Sangrey have pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of solemnizing civil marriages without a license. They were charged after similar ceremonies in New Paltz, 75 miles north of New York City.

Ulster County District Attorney Donald Williams said marriage laws make no distinction between public officials and members of the clergy who preside over wedding ceremonies.