Gay rights activists in New York are celebrating a ruling from the states highest court. The Court of Appeals declared Thursday that unmarried people —gay or heterosexual — have a right to adopt their partner’s children.

Since state laws recognize that single adults can adopt, regardless of sexual orientation, that right must be extended to partners in gay or heterosexual relationships, the court decided in a narrow 4-3 vote.

Notably, New York becomes the third state, following Vermont and Massachusetts, to recognize the right of homosexuals to adopt their partner’s children. The District of Columbia has also legalized such adoptions.

What the ruling does not address, however, is its origin. The real reason why the decision was handed down is due to the fact that New York state still refuses to recognize the validity of same-sex marriages.

The ability of unmarried heterosexual couples to adopt their partner’s children is common sense. Unfortunately, unmarried heterosexuals with the same desires, continue to be viewed as entangled within exceptional circumstances.

Although activists consider the ruling a victory, it’s essentially one that should be considered hollow.