ALBANY (AP) - Gay couples living in New York state could soon catch a flight to California or drive to Canada to get married, and when they return they'll have many of the same rights and responsibilities as their straight married neighbors.

A memo from Governor Paterson's counsel to state agencies says New York state will recognize gay marriages performed in other states and countries where the unions are legal.

The directive orders state agencies -- including those governing
insurance and health care -- to immediately recognize same-sex
marriages legally performed elsewhere as valid in New York.

Massachusetts is currently the only state that recognizes same-sex marriage, but its residency requirements would bar New Yorkers from marrying there.

New Yorkers could instead go to California, where gay couples will be able to wed beginning June 17th. Or gay couples could travel outside the country to marry in Canada or one of the other nations where gay marriage is legal.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)