Other / Unknown
ATC Issue All Types; Deviation - Track / Heading All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Human Factors; Weather
While [we were] in New York Center airspace FL340 50 north northeast of MRB VOR. We were on a direct course to PECK then LIT. I requested a deviation of up to 10 degrees to the right or north due to weather ahead. ATC said denied and we stated again that we needed it for weather 40 miles ahead and we may only need 5 degrees. This time the Controller came back accusing us of wanting a more direct route (we were already on a direct route to LIT via PECK) I stated again it was for weather. Then he came back and said turn direct MRD then LIT. That route took us about 30 degrees left; right through the overhang we trying to avoid so I stated that we couldn't accept that clearance. Then the Controller said thirty other aircraft were over MRD with no problems. I then declared an emergency to stay on the route we were first on direct PECK then LIT. The Controller gave us a number to call but when he handed us off to INDY Center he said disregard the call. I felt I had declared an emergency so I should file this report.
Air Carrier with ZNY was denied a weather deviation resulting in an emergency declaration to avoid build ups.