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(Image source: The Star-Ledger / John Munson)
BY MATT PICHT
A New Jersey judge ruled Friday the state must recognize same-sex marriages and offer
the same rights to both gay and straight couples.
The judge's ruling comes in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark decision to
strike down the Defense of Marriage Act and grant federal benefits to married same-sex
couples. (Via CBS)
But gay marriage is still not recognized by New Jersey — only civil unions are permitted
for gay couples. Civil rights groups argued this separate-but-equal treatment was discriminatory
and sued the state on behalf of six gay couples.
"I'm going to stand before you today, and say whether it's for litigation or legislation,
I promise you with no reservation that New Jersey will have marriage equality before
the end of this year." (Via The Star-Ledger)
And Superior Court Judge Mary Jacobson agreed, ordering the state to recognize same-sex couples'
right to marriage.
"Every day that the state does not allow same-sex couples to marry, plaintiffs are being harmed.
... Same-sex couples must be allowed to marry in order to obtain equal protection of the
law under the New Jersey Constitution." (Via State of New Jersey)
The ruling requires New Jersey to begin granting and recognizing gay marriages by Oct. 21.
But New York Magazine cautions: "Temper your excitement, though: The ruling will almost
certainly be appealed by Governor Chris 'Buzzkill' Christie all the way back to the state's Supreme
Court."
If the decision stands, New Jersey will become the 14th state recognizing marriage equality
for gay and straight couples.