N.J. bishops pledge to protect heterosexual marriage after ruling

Published: 2006-10-26

TRENTON, N.J. (CNS) -- New Jersey's bishops have pledged to work with state lawmakers in drafting same-sex union legislation that protects the concept of marriage "as the union of one man and one woman" and promotes "child well-being in our state." The pledge came after 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 said that the state Legislature must decide whether to grant this equality through marriage or another form of civil partnership. It gave the Legislature 180 days to modify current laws or draft a new one. The bishops' Oct. 25 statement, signed by Newark Archbishop John J. Myers, conference president, said the Legislature is where the discussion of marriage "rightly belongs." "For the sake of constitutional democracy as well as for the sake of marriage itself, the proper place for such discussion must rest with the elected representatives of the people of this state," said Archbishop Myers.

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