By Matt Friedman | December 10th, 2008 - 8:49am
| More

The state’s Civil Union Review Commission today called on the state government to enact same-sex marriage after finding that civil unions do not result in equal treatment.

“After eighteen public meetings, 26 hours of oral testimony and hundreds of pages of written submission from more than 150 witnesses, this Commission finds that the separate categorization established by the Civil Union Act invites and encourages unequal treatment of same-sex couples and their children,” read the first paragraph of its report.

The committee, which includes several public officials and seven members appointed by the Governor, Senate President and Assembly Speaker, recommended that same-sex marriage be enacted "expeditiously because any delay in marriage equality will harm all the people of New Jersey." Members included Annlynne Benson, director of Gloucester County Right-to-Life, and Garden State Equality Chairman Steven Goldstein.

Among the issues the report cites are the reluctance of hospitals to recognize civil unions when it comes to visitation rights and “significant psychological damage” of children because of the “stigmatizing label of civil union.”

Governor Corzine has indicated that he would be willing to sign a gay marriage bill sometime after the presidential election. On the other side of the issue, Assemblyman Michael Doherty (R-Washington Twp.) plans to introduce legislation that would allow voters to decide on a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REPORT

Wake-Up Call

Morning News Digest - May 22, 2013

Shavar Jeffries launches 2014 mayoral campaign in Newark NEWARK - The Boys and Girls clubs hosted the professionally staged announcement for Shavar Jeffries’ Mayoral candidacy announcement. Over 400 supporters packed the gym, some of whom had already committed to the candidate, while others were still undecided. Max Pizarro-PolitickerNJ.com http://www.politickernj.com/65777/shavar-jeffries-launches-2014-campaign-mayor-son-newark...

Op-Ed

Time to have the talk we hope to avoid but can’t

By Tedford J. Taylor No topic is a less likely conversation-starter than our eventual deaths. Still, there is a lot to talk about. When polled, about 90 percent of people presented with end-of-life scenarios prefer the prospect of dying at home with... Read More >

Contributors

(5-22-2013) All Ethics Bills are Not Ethics Priorities -In New Jersey it remains OK for state legislators to make money from towns they represent, but it is... more »
NEWARK - The Boys and Girls clubs hosted the professionally staged announcement for Shavar Jeffries’ Mayoral candidacy announcement. Over 400 supporters packed the gym, some of whom had already... more »
Chris Christie's recent "Lap Band" weight-loss surgery scoop remains the talk of the nation.... more »
Au Revoir, PolitickerNJ.com         Recently, I have been writing fewer columns as a contributing columnist for PolitickerNJ.com.  The reason:  I am busily involved with writing a new book.  The... more »

Quote of the Day

Quote of the day

"I'm beyond disgusted by his choice." - Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly on Paterson Councilman Anthony Davis' decision to back Gov. Chris Christie.

- PolitickerNJ.com

Poll

What do you think of Christie walking into Paterson and landing the endorsement of Councilman Anthony Davis?
A. It just shows the governor's capacity to work with people. By the way, this election's over.
55%
B. BIG mistake. Christie just became the Steve Rothman of 2013. Why go into that hornet's nest??
9%
C. Meaningless theatrics.
36%

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