ALBANY — State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli is using the power of the state’s $160 billion pension system to urge President Obama to order federal agencies and programs around the country to recognize gay marriages performed in New York.

DiNapoli’s idea is to adopt a “place of celebration” standard in federal government, meaning gay marriages that take place in New York would be recognized even in states that do not permit them. It could be a big push in DiNapoli’s effort to get major companies that do business with the state-pension fund to adopt anti-discrimination measures when providing benefits for gay couples.

The US Supreme Court last month struck down parts of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, a ruling that muddled the rights of gay couples married in New York who move to or work in states where gay marriage isn’t legal.

DiNapoli is the sole trustee of the state’s pension fund and has used it as leverage to persuade companies he invests in to bolster environmental protections, combat terrorism and disclose campaign donations. He argues recognizing gay marriages is just good business.