Gay Marriage: NJ Supreme Court Decision Today

Barista's clock is running a bit fast...

"Posted by Annette Batson at 6:13 PM"

New Jersey and Massachusetts.
Perfect together.

off topic, but I'd like to congratulate Barista (probably Tom actually) on adding back the "link to the actual post" function at the top of the main page!

If the court comes down in favor of same gender marriage in New Jersey it will be interesting to see just how much of an effect it will have on the decision which the voters of New Jersey make. As I see it, if the court sides with same gender marriage the main effect will be to cause more [R] people to not sit out this election cycle. It is something which just might push Kean over the top.

It's called push back

Snake, I think you're wrong to make that assumption -- Republicans in the Northeast and MidAtlantic states are much more likely to be in the Giuliani/Bloomberg mold regarding gay marriage. On the other hand, African-American voters are among the strongest opponents of gay marriage even though they overwhelmingly vote Democrat.

yes but that's because they're on the down-low

Victory for progress..

I'm reading the opinion myself (no news yet). SO forgive me if I can't read legalize.

But it's good news for gay couples in america!

http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/opinions/supreme/a-68-05.pdf

"HELD:Denying committed same-sex couples the financial and social benefits and privileges given to their married
heterosexual counterparts bears no substantial relationship to a legitimate governmental purpose. The Court holds
that under the equal protection guarantee of Article I, Paragraph 1 of the New Jersey Constitution, committed samesex
couples must be afforded on equal terms the same rights and benefits enjoyed by opposite-sex couples under the
civil marriage statutes. The name to be given to the statutory scheme that provides full rights and benefits to samesex
couples, whether marriage or some other term, is a matter left to the democratic process."

It's a party at the unitarian church tonight!

I am so tired of this issue - mainly because it is a waste of time and money.

Assemblyman Richard Merkt needs to be removed from his position - he's wasting tax dollars. Now he's planning to get our NJ supreme court members impeached if they vote pro-gay marriage?!?!?! I'm sorry - do we have piles of cash in this state to spend on that?

Did I miss the day it rained money? Or the war ended or every kid was on a healthcare program.

Let the greeting card companies make money - just don't let them outsource jobs. Let NJ farmers see a boom in flower demands. Lets change from building overpriced McMansions to building catering halls for all these piles of new wedding parties. It only means more jobs in the state.

And lets start to focus on actual issues not what two people want to call their union.

no Gay Marriages in NJ

N.J. Court Backs Rights for Same-Sex Unions
E
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: October 25, 2006
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey's Supreme Court has ruled that same-sex couples are entitled to the same rights as heterosexual couples, but that lawmakers must determine whether the state will honor gay marriage or some other form of civil union.

NJ Supremes say 'Civil Unions' are a go, but might not be called 'marriage'

So if I may ask the question: Is this progress?

The ruling of the New Jersey State Supreme Court states that gay and lesbian couples have the right to marry, but that only the state Legislature could authorize same-sex marriages and decide what to call them.

Right Marriage in name only.

Which is what they have now.

Sounds like a baby step forward to me, that's all.

NO, not true, they have many more rights then the previous 2004 "domestic partners" law.

Full rights of married couples? The only thing left up in the air is wether the legislature will CALL it a marriage or civil union. While I'm sure many people will be unhappy that as of yet it is not called "Marriage", how is it only a baby step?

It's quibbling over semantics.

"Citing the equal protection clause of the New Jersey constitution, the court ruled 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 name to be given to the statutory scheme that provides full rights and benefits to same sex couples, whether marriage or some other term, is a matter left to the democratic process."

It seems the only thing left to decide is what term will be used?

What the decision STATES is that gay and lesbian couples are entitles to ALL THE SAME LEGAL protections of marriage. THis includes rights of inheritence, power of attorney, and rights of DIVORCE (yes, now gay couples can pay alimony!).

So ys it's progress. They just gave the legislature and "out" - "You can call it civil unions if you want - but it HAS TO BE LEGALLY THE SAME AS MARRIAGE".

That's progress. And no, it doesn't mean the end of the world, it's no threat to the institution of marriage, and it doesn't mean people will start marrying their dogs.

It will make people's lives BETTER.

I have a friend of mine, who has basically LOST his parental rights of his children, because of a lack of marriage and divorce laws. He would still be living with them today if the laws had made sense.

Oh happy day!

"and it doesn't mean people will start marrying their dogs."

Aw, shucks.

But seriously, it's a step in the right direction so hallelujah!

"and it doesn't mean people will start marrying their dogs."

Aw, shucks.

But seriously, it's a step in the right direction so hallelujah!

Friends, we gather here today to honor the blessed union of RoC and Cathar ...

Perhaps you, wiseass, will volunteer to be the "flower genderperson" at the ceremony, since I've already slotted in laserlad for ringbearer.

So does this mean that we will see a large exodus of gay couples from W Village and Chelsea, looking to relocate to NJ? Let's boost real estate values! Break out the rainbow flags!

It amazes me that some people still feel threatened by this issue (Actually, a majority of the people in the country judging by the current state laws).

For those who's argument is to protect the sanctity of marriage, you've got to be kidding. While I am fortunate, more than half of marriages end in divorce due to infidelity, violence and many other non-sanctimonious reasons. Many others keep going, but should end for those mentioned reasons. The Hetro community has not exactly held up it's end of treating marriage as the "religious right" would have us believe. This is about commitment, rights of inheritance, and the right to become dependents on your partners job benefits (not a complete list).

I am a married male hetro, and very secure in that this law is not going to take anything away from me.

I am also Christian, and it sickens me that the politics and various elements of my church are against this issue. I once heard a comment that is very pertinant to this issue.

"If Jesus Christ were to run for election, the Christian right would probably not vote for him"

What's my point with that comment?

That the individuals creating the greatest roadblocks to this small measure of equality are moving against what Jesus Christ would be in favor of.

Oh my, this is such a controversial issue. When two people commit to marriage it is a personal commitment. Since I am not ever going to marry another guy I really don’t care if the guy down the road wants to marry his pal. The same thing goes for the girls. The only difference that I can think of is G on G is fun to watch.

Do I think that it is going to harm the institution of marriage? Likely not. After all in modern American society the sanctity of marriage is pretty much a big joke anyway. Perhaps what we straight people are afraid of in reality is that gays who commit to marriage might just remain faithful to their marriage vows and make the rest of us look bad.

God might be against the idea but then he will have to let everyone know with a big fireball or something. Just don’t forget to bring the marshmallows to the barbeque because if the New Jersey State Legislature goes for the full nine yards and institutes State sanctioned gay marriage there just might be a lot of roasted ass lying around.

Sad that McGreevy didn’t stick around. Then New Jersey could have had the first, First Man in Drumthwacket. And Drumthwacket is a really great name for the mansion of a gay governor.

And to AppleTony I would like to say that if Republicans in New Jersey have a say in things they will fight gay marriage without regard to the geography of New Jersey NorthEast/MidAtlantic not-withstanding.

Do You Joe Take This Man To Be Your Loyal Wedded Wife? Do You Stella Take This Woman To Be Your Loyal Wedded Husband? What’s wrong with this picture? Back the truck up ma, we’re movin’ to the Oakland hills. Get Yer Gun.

GAY & LESBIAN PARENT NETWORK & THE NY TIMES...
Wednesday, November 1st, 2006
7:00-8:30 pm
Join other parents from the community to socialize and join in a facilitated discussion about issues common to LBGT families.

Contact the Bee’s Knees for information and to RSVP (973) 744-1190
Light supper will be served.
$30 per couple, $20 per individual