VAINIERI HUTTLE URGES APPROVAL OF MARRIAGE EQUALITY BILL TO BREAKDOWN STIGMAS THAT INSPIRE BULLYING, DISCRIMINATION

Assemblywoman's Civil Rights Bill Would Bring Equal Treatment to All Couples

(TRENTON)-Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen), one of the sponsors of democratic legislation to create true marriage equality for same-sex couples in New Jersey, today released the following statement as the Assembly Judiciary panel listens to testimony on the legislation:

"One year ago, Governor Christie signed the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights, one of the toughest anti-bullying laws in the country.

"I certainly remember the articulate and brave young men and women who shared their horrific experiences with the Legislature. Many of those students were targeted because of their sexual orientation. It became clear that while bullying affects all students, those who identify as gay or are perceived to be gay are disproportionately impacted by peer harassment and intimidation.

"The purpose of the anti-bullying law is to respond to bullying and also to prevent it. That can only be done by teaching students that although they are not all the same, they are all equal and will be treated equally in our state.

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