NJ Supreme Court says same-sex couples should have all the rights and benefits of marriage


The New Jersey Supreme Court unanimously ruled yesterday that "committed same-sex couples must be afforded on equal terms the same rights and benefits enjoyed by opposite-sex couples under the civil marriage statutes." The majority opinion left to the legislature the decision of whether to confer the rights and benefits by means of Civil Unions or by amending the marriage laws to allow same-sex couples to marry. The legislature has 180 days in which to act.

The Court wrote, "New language is developing to describe new social and familial relationships, and in time will find its place in our common vocabulary. Through a better understanding of those new relationships and acceptance forged in the democratic process, rather than by judicial fiat, the proper labels will take hold. However the Legislature may act, same-sex couples will be free to call their relationships by the name they choose and to sanctify their relationships in religious ceremonies in houses of worship."

You can get a copy of the decision from the Lambda Legal website here: Lewis v. Harris, or from the NJ Judiciary website here: Lewis v. Harris.

Posted: Thursday - October 26, 2006 at 02:00 AM          

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