NJ Supreme Court Favors Same-Sex Rights
Wed. October 25, 2006 12:00 AM by ChicagoPride.com News Staff
Trenton, NJ -
The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled today that gay and lesbians are entitled to the same rights as heterosexuals.
The decision echoes that of the Vermont ruling approximately one year ago, in which the high court ruled that the state had to treat everyone equally.
The 4-3 ruling left it up to the legislature to rewrite the marriage laws with regards to how the gay partnerships should be recognized.
The New Jersey Supreme Court gave lawmakers 180 days to amend the current laws and include same-sex couples or to create a new system of civil unions.
New Jersey is one of only five U.S. states without a law or a state constitutional amendment blocking same-sex marriage.
The decision echoes that of the Vermont ruling approximately one year ago, in which the high court ruled that the state had to treat everyone equally.
The 4-3 ruling left it up to the legislature to rewrite the marriage laws with regards to how the gay partnerships should be recognized.
The New Jersey Supreme Court gave lawmakers 180 days to amend the current laws and include same-sex couples or to create a new system of civil unions.
New Jersey is one of only five U.S. states without a law or a state constitutional amendment blocking same-sex marriage.