Dear New Jersey: We're Ready for Same-Sex Marriage

In December 2008, the New Jersey Civil Union Commission issued a report which concluded that there is "overwhelming evidence" that civil unions do not provide the same protection as marriage. The Commission's report boosted New Jersey's advocacy efforts for same-sex marriage. As advocates, LGBT individuals and LGBT allies, we want the discrimination in New Jersey to end.

Some people feel that civil unions are fine and don't understand why the term "marriage" needs to be used instead. Here's one very important distinction: there have been many situations in which one partner cannot make medical decisions for an incapacitated partner because doctors, nurses, or hospital staff don't recognize the term "civil union." Many people don't know what civil unions permit, and that fact alone makes civil unions and marriage unequal.

This month, both Iowa and Vermont have ruled that state laws banning same-sex marriage are unconstitutional. These are great victories, but now New Jersey has to do its part. We have groups organizing here in NJ, including the NASW-NJ LGBTI Special Interest Group, the NJ Lesbian and Gay Coalition, and Garden State Equality. But we need help in getting the NJ Legislature to MOVE on this.

We need our membership to assist us with making a powerful statement. Would you be willing to help bring same-sex marriage in NJ? Let us know if you'd like to join the fight. Contact Kendra Hayes at khayes@naswnj.org.