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N.J. rules same-sex couples should get same rights as heterosexuals
 Gay couples should have access to the same rights as heterosexual married couples, New Jersey's Supreme Court ruled today. But it's possible that lawmakers will designate civil unions, not marriage, as the route to provide such rights. "Only rights that are deeply rooted in the traditions, history, and conscience of the people are deemed to be fundamental. Although we cannot find that a fundamental right to same-sex marriage exists in this state, the unequal dispensation of rights and benefits to committed same-sex partners can no longer be tolerated under our State Constitution," said the ruling, written by Associate Justice Barry Albin.The high court gave lawmakers 180 days to rewrite marriage laws to either include same-sex couples or create a new system of civil unions for them. The decision was similar to one made by justices in Vermont in 1999. That state created civil unions. Posted by: Fred 2006-10-26 |
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