[JURIST] A New York appellate court has upheld a lower court ruling [JURIST report] banning New Paltz [official website; JURIST news archive] Mayor Jason West from performing same-sex marriages. The unanimous five-judge panel said West "acted beyond his authority" when he presided over 24 gay marriages last year. West was tried for violating New York's domestic relations law [JURIST report], but has repeatedly argued that he was attempting to uphold the constitutional rights of gay couples. Justice John Lahtinen wrote the court's opinion [PDF text] saying:

West robed himself with judicial powers and declared the marriage laws of this state unconstitutional. Having concluded that the Legislature violated the constitution, he then wrapped himself with that body's power and drafted his own set of documents for licensing marriages. In so doing, he clearly exceeded his role as a village mayor.