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Q-NOTES • JANUARY 17 . 2004
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N.J. Senate grants DP rights
to gay couples
Measure lauded by activists, though
some say it falls short of equality
by David Muller
TRENTON, N.]. — Gay and lesbian cou
ples scored a key victory with an llth-hour
N.|. state Senate vote to create domestic
partnerships for same-sex couples.
Dozens of teary-eyed and exuberant
members of the gay and lesbian communi
ty, wearing white campaign-style hats with
red and blue stripes, broke into applause
from a Senate gallery and celebrated after
the 23-9 vote. Eight senators did not-vote.
“It’s people getting some basic human
rights that they deserve ... It legitimizes
our families," said Ellen ]. Gillio, executive
director of the Pride Center of New Jersey.
“It means something to a lot of families.’
Steven Goldstein, campaign manager
for Lambda'Legal, went as far as to drop to
his hands and knees, kissing the floor.
Under the legislation, gay and lesbian
couples — as well as heterosexual couples
over 62 — would be granted legal rights
closer to those of married couples.
Those covered would be granted the
right to collect the public pensions of
deceased partners, guaranteed hospital
visitation during illnesses and qualify to
receive health benefits in 3 partner s name.
But the legislation would fall short of
issuing the full protection of married cou
ples in two ways. Partners in the arrange
ments would have
less extensive proper
ty rights if they split
and child custody
rights would be
slightly scaled back.
“The time has
come when we can
guarantee individuals,
who have entered
into an enduring
N J. Gov. James
McGreeveysays
he'll sign Ihe meas
ure for domestic
partnerships.
committed relationship, the basic civil rights
they deserve,” Gov. James McGreevey said.
New Jersey is the fifth state in the nation to
approve the controversial benefits. The legisla
tion does not mandate employers cover same-
sex partners of their employees in insurance
plans but does require insurance carriers to
offer the coverage.
Opponents argued that government
recognition of same-sex couples poses a
threat to traditional family values.
Legislation passage follows what many
saw as an important struggle for civil rights
akin to the ’60s anti-segregation movement.
Last fall, a Superior Court judge dis
missed a lawsuit brought by a few gay
couples seeking to legalize same-sex
unions in New Jersey. The judge sent the
issue to the Legislature, saying there was
nothing in the state Constitution that guar
antees marriage laws to same-sex couples.
Lambda Legal, which argued the case on
behalf of the gay couples, is appealing.
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