The New York Court of Appeals will hear arguments against recognition of same-sex marriage today, City Room reports:

"The judges of the state’s Court of Appeals will consider two cases [pdf] brought by opponents of same-sex marriage.

In one case, the opponents are challenging a 2007 policy, adopted by the State Department of Civil Service, that extended health insurance benefits to the same-sex partners of state and local government employees who married out of state.

In the other case, the opponents are seeking to overturn a similar administrative order, issued in 2006 by Andrew J. Spano, the Westchester County executive, directing county officials to recognize same-sex unions performed elsewhere.

The opponents are represented by the Alliance Defense Fund, based in Scottsdale, Ariz., which argues that both orders were 'illegal, unconstitutional, and resulted in the unlawful disbursement of public funds,' according to a summary of the cases provided by the Court of Appeals.

In both cases, trial and midlevel appellate courts have found that recognition of same-sex marriages by Mr. Spano and the Department of Civil Service were 'valid exercises of their authority,' the summary noted."

In related news, State Senator Tom Duane is saying a marriage equality vote could come before election day.