N.J. court says same-sex couples have same rights as married couples

Published: 2006-10-25

TRENTON, N.J. (CNS) -- New Jersey's highest court ruled Oct. 25 that same-sex couples are due the same rights and benefits as married couples under the state constitution's equal protection clause. But the State Supreme Court, in its 4-3 decision, deferred to the "democratic process" the question of whether those rights and benefits should be guaranteed by some form of marriage, a civil union like what is in effect in Vermont or some other type of arrangement. Massachusetts currently is the only U.S. state to allow same-sex marriages. Catholic leaders across the country have been active in efforts to limit marriage to the traditional union of one man and one woman. Nineteen states have adopted constitutional amendments banning same-sex marriage and another nine were considering such a ban this year.

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