Same-sex unions in
New Jersey Legal, With Limits
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Gov. Jon Corzine, center, surrounded by state
legislators and gay rights advocates, holds up the civil unions
legislation he just signed during a ceremony in Trenton, N.J.
No protesters or opponents made themselves apparent at the morning's
signing. |
Tim Hester, Jr. AP
from USA TODAY on the Web, December 22, 2006
TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Jon S.
Corzine signed into law a measure Thursday enabling same-sex couples to live
together in civil unions that will give them full rights of married
heterosexuals, though without the word marriage.
"It's about doing the right thing," Corzine told 80 to 100 enthusiastic
supporters at a signing ceremony for the legislation, which takes effect in
mid-February.
The law nudges New Jersey closer to Massachusetts, the lone state that allows
gays to marry. Vermont and Connecticut have civil union laws, and
California recognizes domestic partnerships.
State Sen. Loretta Weinberg, a champion of the bill, vowed to the cheering
audience that she would shepherd further legislation that would allow gay unions
to be called marriage.
"These rights for same-sex couples will be known as they should be under the
banner of marriage," Weinberg said.
New Jersey heretofore allowed for domestic partnerships where gays and lesbians
possessed a fraction of rights enjoyed by heterosexuals in marriages. But
gays were not granted access to hospital rooms were loved ones lay, inheritances
or shared contracts such as with landlords or insurance companies.
"We must recognize that many gay and lesbian couples in New Jersey are in
committed relationships and deserve the same benefits and rights as every other
family in this state," Corzine said.
Opponents of the law have said the institution of marriage is defined as between
a man and a woman. But no protesters or opponents made themselves apparent
at the morning's signing.
Mary McManus of Howell said she planned to join with her partner of 10 years in
a state-sanctioned civil union.
"Obviously it would be more beneficial for everyone if there were marriage,"
said McManus, who is raising three children with her partner.
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