NEW YORK, NY May 30, 2008 —News of Gov. David Paterson's executive order requiring state agencies to recognize gay marriages from states where they're allowed has some questioning his authority and others celebrating.

Some lawmakers say he's circumventing the state legislature in an attempt to bringing New York a step closer to same sex marriage.

Yet others say marriage benefits gets you things that domestic partnership benefits can't. There are apparently some 1,300 benefits, some are quite obsure.

We spoke with Alan Van Cappelle, Executive Director of Empire State Pride Agenda.