You are reading

Constantinides Applauds Cuomo Decision to Lift in-Person Requirement for Marriage Licenses

A married couple (Image: Tom the Photographer, Unsplash)

April 20, 2020 By Michael Dorgan

Council Member Costa Constantinides has applauded Governor Andrew Cuomo’s decision to suspend the requirement that couples seeking a marriage license must go to the clerk’s office in person.

Cuomo signed an executive order Saturday that allows couples to access marriage licenses remotely, with clerks able to perform ceremonies over video during the COVID-19 shutdown if need be.

The move follows a request by Constantinides last month to scrap the requirement because couples are being prevented from marrying since the clerk’s office/marriage bureau remains closed as part of the statewide shutdown.

The new order paves the way for couples to be legally married, which will not only cement relationships but also help many people weather the economic crisis. For instance, spouses can access their partner’s healthcare coverage through marriage.

“Nothing should get in the way of love — not even a pandemic,” Constantinides said in a statement.

“There is so much to worry about right now, from fears of contracting coronavirus to struggling to afford rent, that this shouldn’t add to people’s anxiety,” he said.

email the author: news@queenspost.com

2 Comments

Click for Comments 

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Op-Ed: Empowering survivors by investing in the communities that know them best

Jul. 8, 2025 By Speaker Adrienne Adams and Council Member Sandra Ung

For many immigrant survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, language barriers can often be difficult to overcome, adding to the litany of overwhelming challenges they face. Many are financially dependent on their partners, while others are isolated from their family and community. Some may fear that seeking help could jeopardize their immigration status.