NJ Senate Judiciary Commitee passed the Civil Uions bill

Now it seems we're going to have another discriminatory act on book in NJ.

Gay couples would be able to register in civil unions and claim all the rights of married couples under a measure advanced Monday by a state Senate committee, making it possible such a law could be passed this week.

The Senate Judiciary committee advanced the bill with an 8-2 vote.

That puts Dometics Partnership Act at a very odd place. First of all DPA is a highly sexual orientation oriented law, requiring gay couples with totally different rules (no age limit for gay) than straight counterparts to enter a domestic partnership. Second, it's some State recognized relationship which is not marriage. Now we are going to have another law, applies only to gay couples, another relationship recognized by the State which is not marriage. I guess it's not difficult to see the whole thing doesn't ensure the fundamental equality to everyone. BTW I just received this email

When the Legislature passed the groundbreaking Domestic Partnership legislation we were told that it would be found unconstitutional; the court’s ruling has strengthened this law. New Jersey has long had the reputation for fighting for equal rights for all citizens. Providing same-sex couples the same statutory rights enjoyed by heterosexual couples is a natural progression.

We should all take a moment to recognize the tremendous effort put forth to this point and enjoy this great success.

Our job continues to be one of expressing to leadership your concerns and support for the further advancement of this issue and to gauge its success going forward.

Again, thank you for taking the time to contact us, let’s enjoy this great moment.

Sincerely,

Assemblyman Louis D. Greenwald
and
Assemblywoman Pamela R. Lampitt

This makes much more sense than the one I got days ago.