GUSCIORA SAYS TIME IS RIGHT FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Princeton) is calling on the Legislature to enact full marriage equality in New Jersey, in light of the California Supreme Court upholding the California Legislature’s decision to legalize same sex marriage.  Gusciora is the sponsor of Assembly Bill 818, “The Civil Marriage and Religious Protection Act.”

“The California Supreme Court came to the correct conclusion,” stated Gusciora.  “Conferring the rights and benefits of marriage by any other name violates the precedent of equal protection under the law.”

In 2006, the New Jersey Supreme Court held that the rights of marriage must be given to all consenting couples, but left it up to the Legislature to authorize full marriage equality.  As a result of the Court’s decision, lawmakers created the State’s civil union statute.

“Since civil unions have been enacted, no harm has been done to the institution of marriage, unlike what opponents would lead the public to believe,” continued Gusciora.  “However, the rights of those individuals who have entered into civil unions continue to be violated.” 

In essence, A.818 would reaffirm that no religious institution would be required to solemnize any marriage in conflict with their beliefs; provide that any governmentally sanctioned marriage would be a “civil marriage” open to two consenting persons of proper age and capacity; and charge a $50 civil marriage application and licensing fee. 

“California reached marriage equality after the Legislature passed a bill that was vetoed, but then given the green light through the Court,” concluded Gusciora.  “The New Jersey Legislature should follow on its own, in accordance with the well established track record of upholding civil rights for all our citizens.” 

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