Next NJ Governor Will Influence NJ Supreme Court

August 28, 2005

TRENTON—New Jersey's next governor will have a major influence on the direction of the New Jersey Supreme Court, which will directly affect the rights of the state's GLBT community, among others.

The next governor must replace Chief Justice Deborah T. Poritz, who reaches mandatory retirement in October, and a second justice who is retiring. In addition, the next governor will decide whether to seek reappointment of three other justices, who are nearing the end of their seven year initial term. If reappointed and approved by the legislature, the justices serve until the age of 70.

Among the issues before the Supreme Court are the Lewis v. Harris case, which will decide the issue of same-sex marriage in New Jersey. In addition, there are other issues expected to come before the Court affecting GLBT rights and same-sex couples.

The Democratic candidate, Sen. Jon Corzine, has articulated that he is very supportive of the GLBT community, including support for the effort to prohibit discrimination against transgendered persons under the Law Against Discrimination. Senator Corzine has endorsed extending the rights of marriage, but has stopped short of extending marriage equality.

I am unable to find any information as to what Republican candidate Doug Forrestor believes regarding GLBT rights, nor have I found a party platform on the NJ GOP web site (to be fair, I can't find anything on the NJ Dems web site, either, or on Sen. Corzine's site.)

Presumably, the two parties fully endorse their respective national party platforms. If so, the NJ GOP can be expected to oppose any further extension of rights to GLBT persons and families and the NJ Dems are supportive but stop short of marriage equality.

The state parties' positions can also be inferred from the legislation introduced. The only New Jersey legislation pending that would prohibit recognition of same-sex marriage has been introduced by Republicans, which legislation has been bottled up in committee by the Democratic majority. No such legislation has been introduced or sponsored by any Democratic member of the New Jersey Legislature.

This is not to say that supporters of GLBT rights can only be found in the Democratic Party in New Jersey. There are many supporters in both parties in New Jersey. However, the fact remains that the next governor, who will name the Chief Justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court as well as set the makeup of the Court for at least the next seven years, is a critical choice and one that should not be made without full disclosure to the GLBT community.

See the New York Times article For New Jersey's Next Governor, a Chance to Fill the Benches of the State's High Court

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