NEW YORK: TWO MINISTERS CHARGED IN GAY MARRIAGES

For the first time in the U.S., clergy were criminally charged for performing same-sex weddings.

Rev. Kay Greenleaf and Rev. Dawn Sangrey (Unitarian Universalist) conducted 13 marriages in New Paltz, NY—prompting DA Donald Williams to file misdemeanor charges (up to 1 year in jail, $500 fine per count).

Williams insisted this was not about religious freedom: "They proclaimed intent to perform civil marriages under state authority—not purely religious ceremonies."

Over 80 clergy quickly signed a pledge to continue such ceremonies—even at risk of arrest.

Rabbi Ayelet Cohen (Congregation Beth Simchat Torah): "We absolutely are prepared to be arrested… because it's a matter of justice."

Reactions split along denominational lines:

Reform Judaism, UCC, UUA: support civil disobedience

Southern Baptists: uphold prosecution if laws were broken

Meanwhile, Multnomah County, OR, continued issuing same-sex licenses—despite state objections.