Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

New Jersey civil-union bill clears committee
By Daniella Roseman
The Daily Princetonian (Princeton)
12/12/2006

(U-WIRE) PRINCETON, N.J. — The New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill on Monday that would establish civil unions for same-sex couples, bringing New Jersey one step closer to becoming the fourth state in the nation to formally recognize gay unions.

The bill, which passed in the Senate Judiciary Committee with an 8-2 vote, defines "civil unions" as legally recognized unions of "two eligible individuals of the same sex," who shall receive "the same benefits and protections and be subject to the same responsibilities as spouses in a marriage."

In addition to establishing civil unions, the bill revises current marriage laws, altering the existing language to include references to both marriages and civil unions. An identical bill was also advanced in committee in the state Assembly Dec. 8.

The Assembly is scheduled to vote on the bill Thursday, and the Senate may also vote soon. Gov. Jon Corzine (D) has publicly announced his support of civil unions and has indicated that he will sign the legislation if it passes both houses.

Legislators were quick to draw fire on campus, not only from opponents of gay unions but also from supporters who argue that the current bill doesn't go far enough to promote the rights of gay couples.

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