New Jersey: Same-Sex Marriage Legal Statewide
In New Jersey, same-sex marriage will be legal statewide. Judge Mary C. Jacobson ruled that the state must allow same-sex couples to marry. Governor Chris Christie is expected to push for an appeal of the decision. However, for now, the judge’s decision stands.
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of six same-sex couples and their children. The families argue that New Jersey’s civil union law prevents them from receiving federal benefits.
In a recent decision, the Supreme Court granted federal rights and benefits to same-sex couples who are legally married. However, those benefits are not extended to couples in a civil union.
Those benefits include federal pensions, tax deductions, healthcare, and inheritance rights.
As reported by NBC News, Judge Jacobson sided with the families:
“The ineligibility of same-sex couples for federal benefits is currently harming same-sex couples in New Jersey in a wide variety of contexts.”
Hayley Gorenberg, legal director of Lambda Legal, is pleased with the judge’s decision. She says limiting same-sex couples to civil unions is “unfair and unconstitutional.”
As reported by NJ.com, Governor Christie has been vocal in his opposition of gay marriage. He will likely campaign against New Jersey’s same-sex marriage decision. Christie previously asked the court to “reserve the name of marriage for heterosexual couples.”
New Jersey’s acting Attorney General John Hoffman agrees with Christie. He says the federal government is to blame for “discriminating against gays by not granting the same legal recognition to civil unions.”
The state has not indicated an intention to appeal the decision. However, an appeal could delay or overturn Judge Jacobson’s decision.
Anticipating opposition, the judge set October 21 as the effective date for her decision.
New Jersey’s same-sex marriage ruling is a tentative pending any appeal. However, it is still a big win for advocates of equality.
[Image via Wikimedia]
