Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. today released the following statement regarding today’s ruling by the New York State Court of Appeals banning gay marriage:

“I am deeply disappointed in today’s ruling by the New York State Court of Appeals. The opportunity for same-sex couples to marry is a fundamental issue of civil rights. How we choose a life partner should not jeopardize the status under law of that committed relationship. There is no question in my mind that gay and lesbian couples deserve the same legal protections as heterosexual couples, and I will continue to work to help secure this right for everyone.”