appeals of the Appellate Division's decision. 5 In June 2006, Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano issued executive order No. 3, stating that Westchester County would officially recognize out-of-state marriages of same-sex couples the same way it currently recognizes marriages of different-sex couples. ADF plaintiffs filed a complaint (Godfrey v Spano) and motions for a preliminary injunction and a temporary restraining order against the county executive. The supreme court of Westchester County denies the motion for a temporary restraining order. November 2006 Lambda Legal files a motion to intervene in the proceeding on behalf of Michael Sabatino and Robert Voorheis, a couple married in Canada. December 2006 Lambda Legal and the county executive independently file motions to dismiss plaintiffs’ complaint and in opposition to the plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction. January 2007 ADF plaintiffs amend their complaint. Lambda Legal and the county executive file motions to dismiss this amended complaint. March 2007 The supreme court of Westchester County dismisses plaintiffs’ complaint and denies plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction, ruling that the county executive’s order was legally issued and consistent with New York law. April 2007 ADF appeals to the New York Appellate Division, Second Department on behalf of three Westchester County taxpayers. Sabatino and Voorheis are permitted to intervene as defendants in the case. June 2008 In oral arguments at the Appellate Division, Lambda Legal defends Spano's responsibility to adhere to New York law. December 2008 Victory! The New York Appellate Division affirms dismissal of the case, confirming that Westchester County Executive Spano lawfully recognized out-of-state marriages of same-sex couples. March 2009 New York's highest court, the Court of Appeals, accepts the case for review following petition by the ADF. October 2009 Lambda Legal argues before the New York Court of Appeals, the state’s highest court, on behalf of Sabatino and Voorheis. November 2009 The New York Court of Appeals rules that Westchester County could lawfully extend government benefits to same-sex couples in out-of-state marriages. Whether New York same-sex couples will be permitted to marry in their own home state lies in the hands of the New York State Senate. Civil disobedience campaign After the failed effort to pass marriage equality through the New York State legislature in 2009, LGBTQ civil rights activists escalated the fight for equal, civil rights almost immediately in 2010. Activists formed a direct action group named, Queer Rising, and they staged a protest outside the New