WAGNER & EUSTACE IMPLORE ASSEMBLY PANEL TO HELP BRING MARRIAGE EQUALITY TO NEW JERSEY

Civil Rights Measure Would Bring Equal Treatment to All Couples

(TRENTON) - Assembly members Connie Wagner and Tim Eustace, two of the sponsors of democratic legislation to protect the civil rights of same-sex couples and their families in New Jersey, today implored the Assembly Judiciary Committee to help put an end to the "separate but equal" system that currently exists as the panel listens to lengthy testimony on marriage equality.

"Denying rights and benefits to committed same-sex couples that are statutorily given to their heterosexual counterparts violates the equal protection guarantee of our state constitution," said Wagner (D-Bergen). "Yet, through testimony and overwhelming evidence, the New Jersey Civil Union Review Commission found that numerous employers in New Jersey have denied equal benefits to civil union partners because of the deprivation of marriage equality, and that numerous hospitals in New Jersey have denied visitation and medical decision rights to civil union partners because of the deprivation of marriage equality. This is wrong."

"It's unfortunate that under the current civil union system, same sex couples are forced to have to explain and justify their relationships each and every day, and more unfortunate when it's during a time of duress," said Eustace (D-Bergen). "My partner and I have been together over three decades and have raised two sons. By every traditional definition we are a family, except when it comes to our recognition under state law. I hope the state will put an end to this discrimination once and for all and make New Jersey a true leader in equality,"

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