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N.J. extends same-sex rights
By Robert Moran
INQUIRER TRENTON BUREAU
TRENTON - To the cheers of gay and lesbian couples watching from the gallery, the state Senate this afternoon approved legislation to offer financial benefits and legal rights to same-sex partners.
The vote was 23-9 with eight recorded as not voting. The assembly approved the bill last month.
Gov. McGreevey said he would sign the legislation. "He's anxiously awaiting it, big time," said Senate Co-President Richard J. Codey (D., Ess
x).
"This is the coming of age of the gay community. It's an incredibly historic day," said Steven Goldstein, New Jersey representative for Lambda Legal, which is fighting in cou
rt f
or the right of gay marriage.
Concerns were raised over a provision to provide the sa
me benefits to opposite-sex couples 62 and older. Some critics complained that the provision was unconstitutional because it would be discriminatory against younger heterosexual couples.
"We'll take it to court," said John T. Tomicki, executive director of the League of American Families.
The bill provides for hospital-visitation and decision-making rights, an inheritance-tax exemption and a state income-tax deduction for dependents.
The measure also provides partners of state employees with health insurance and pension coverage and would outlaw discrimination against domestic partners.
N.J. extends same-sex rights
By Robert Moran
INQUIRER TRENTON BUREAU
TRENTON - To the cheers of gay and lesbian couples watching from the gallery, the state Senate this afternoon approved legislation to offer financial benefits and legal rights to same-sex partners.
The vote was 23-9 with eight recorded as not voting. The assembly approved the bill last month.
Gov. McGreevey said he would sign the legislation. "He's anxiously awaiting it, big time," said Senate Co-President Richard J. Codey (D., Ess
x).
"This is the coming of age of the gay community. It's an incredibly historic day," said Steven Goldstein, New Jersey representative for Lambda Legal, which is fighting in cou
rt f
or the right of gay marriage.
Concerns were raised over a provision to provide the sa
me benefits to opposite-sex couples 62 and older. Some critics complained that the provision was unconstitutional because it would be discriminatory against younger heterosexual couples.
"We'll take it to court," said John T. Tomicki, executive director of the League of American Families.
The bill provides for hospital-visitation and decision-making rights, an inheritance-tax exemption and a state income-tax deduction for dependents.
The measure also provides partners of state employees with health insurance and pension coverage and would outlaw discrimination against domestic partners.