Appeals court refuses to hear case against state's gay marriage law

New York's gay marriage law is safe from further legal opposition.

The state's Court of Appeals denied to hear the case brought on by New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms, a coalition of pastors, who contended the governor and Albany leaders didn't properly approve the law last year.

Since the appeal was based on procedural grounds for a state law, the group can't take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, according to an Appeals Court spokesman.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo praised the court for refusing to take the case.

"The freedom to marry in this state is secure for generations to come," he said in a statement.

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn agreed with Cuomo tweeting that the decision "reaffirms that #marriage is a right for everyone and that we're all equal in the eyes of the law."

Representatives for NYCF contended the state violated protocol for passing the bill by not having enough public participation. The group's executive director, the Rev. Jason J. McGuire, said he was disappointed with the court.

"What is troubling is the court has failed to uphold its role as a check and balance against a legislature that is out of control," he said.