new jersey
February 25, 2008
Laurel Hester Documentary Wins Academy Award
A documentary film on the struggle by New Jersey police officer Laurel Hester's struggle to have her domestic partner recognized as her next of kin has won an Academy Award.February 21, 2008
Civil Union Partners Treated as Second-Class Citizens
New Jersey's year-old Civil Union Act has failed so far to convey to registered same-sex couples the rights and privileges of marriage, a state commission reported on Monday.February 20, 2008
CU Commission Report Cites Flaws in NJ Law
New Jersey's civil union lawcreates a second-class statusfor same-sex couples and is particularly vexing for people in the military, transgender people, the poor and minorities, according to a report issued on Tuesday by a commission set up to review the law.
February 19, 2008
NJ Gov Sees Significant Concerns With Civil Unions
Gov. Jon Corzine said today a new report issued on the one-year anniversary of civil unions raisessignificant concernsabout whether they give same-sex couples all the benefits and duties of marriage by another name.
February 18, 2008
Civil Union Law Fails to Achieve Goal of Equality
When civil unions became available one year ago, Gina Pastino of Upper Montclair was "thrilled" to form one with her partner of a dozen years, Naomi Cohen.February 16, 2008
NJ Report Says Civil Unions Create Second-Class Status
A commission established to study same-sex civil unions in New Jersey has found in its first report that civil unions create asecond-class statusfor gay couples, rather than giving them equality.
December 7, 2007
Hyland Receives Distinguished Legislative Services Award
Stephen J. Hyland was honored with the New Jersey State Bar Association's (NJSBA) Distinguished Legislative Service Award during the Association's Board of Trustees Meeting and Holiday Luncheon on December 7, 2007.October 28, 2007
NJ Civil Union Law Falls Short, Commission Told
In the last month dozens of couples spoke at three hearings of the commission, which was created by the State Legislature to monitor the effectiveness of civil unions.August 28, 2007
NJ Civil Union Review Commission Public Hearings
Public testimony on the effect of the New Jersey Civil Union Bill will be taken at three public hearings scheduled for September 24, October 10 and October 24. The public is invited to testity at that time.August 1, 2007
Benefits Testing Limits of Civil Unions
New Jersey's civil union law was supposed to fulfill the State Supreme Court's mandate that gay and heterosexual couples be granted the same rights and benefits. But more than five months after its adoption, gay-rights groups and those who have obtained civil unions said the reality of the law's application remained a hodgepodge, and that hundreds of people were struggling to persuade their bosses to treat their partners like spouses.July 31, 2007
UPS to Provide Civil Union Benefits
After persuasion from New Jersey's governor and attorney general, UPS Inc. said Monday that it would extend health insurance benefits to the civil union partners of gay New Jersey employees covered by a union contract.July 20, 2007
Gov. Corzine Releases Letter to UPS
TRENTON—Governor Jon S. Corzine today released the below letter to United Parcel Service and urged all companies in New Jersey to provide equal rights and benefits to employees in civil unions.June 25, 2007
Newark School Superintendent Apologizes
The Superintendent apologized for having censored a yearbook photograph of a gay student kissing his boyfriend and offered to provide uncensored copies to any student who asked.June 24, 2007
Newark School District Censors Yearbook Photo
An East Side High School senior's photograph in the school's yearbook was blacked-out on the order of the Newark School Superintendent, Marion A. Bolden, because he was kissing his boyfriend. Similar photos of straight couples were untouched.June 20, 2007
Civil Rights Suit Filed in Ocean Grove Case
TRENTON—The New Jersey Division of Civil Rights announced today that it filed suit against the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association for its failure to allow a lesbian couple to rent the Boardwalk Pavilion for a civil union ceremony. As previously...June 11, 2007
Ocean Grove Marriage Controversy Continues
by CAREN CHESLER New York Times OCEAN GROVE, NJ—Jan Moore and Emily Sonnessa, retired antique dealers in their 70s, have lived contentedly in Ocean Grove for a decade, maintaining a four-family home, tending their garden and socializing with friends in...May 10, 2007
Ocean Grove Civil Union Ban Violates Law
OCEAN GROVE—The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association's policy banning same-sex civil unions at the boardwalk pavilion appears to violate the law and should be reversed, state Public Advocate Ronald Chen said Wednesday. The prohibition has angered some gay and lesbian...April 21, 2007
NJ Civil Union Licenses Increase
According to figures released by the state health department, 373 couples applied for civil union licenses in the period from March 20 to April 20, up from 229 in the first month.February 23, 2007
Taxation and Civil Unions
The New Jersey Department of Taxation has clarified that partners in a civil union will receive treatment equal to that of a similarly situated married couple in regard to state taxes, including the New Jersey estate tax.February 16, 2007
NJ AG Issues Opinion on Marriage Recognition
Attorney General Rabner concluded that same-sex marriages entered into legally in another state or nation are valid in New Jersey, and should be recognized as civil unions.February 9, 2007
Civil Unions and Legal Confusion
Civil unions, domestic partnerships, and civil marriage carry different legal consequences when New Jersey's civil union law goes into effect on Feb. 19. Some will automatically trigger all the benefits the new law provides; others will not. It remains an open question whether New Jersey will recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions.February 2, 2007
Insurers Cap Mayors Civil Union Coverage
Public officials who choose to defy the state's new civil unions law will find themselves largely out of luck — and insurance funds — if lawsuits are filed against their towns.January 27, 2007
Couples Gather to Learn About Civil Unions
About 60 people attended a panel discussion at the Raven in New Hope, just over the bridge from Lambertville, to learn more about New Jersey's new civil unions law.January 11, 2007
NJ AG: Clergy Exempt From Civil Union Law
When New Jersey's civil unions law comes into effect next month churches will not be obligated to perform ceremonies the state's Attorney General said Thursday.January 11, 2007
Gay Cop Wins NJ Bias Suit
A police officer who sued Haledon, New Jersey and several of its officials alleging that he was discriminated against and refused a promotion because he is gay has reportedly received a $450,000 settlement.January 2, 2007
Civil Unions Lack Widespread Recognition
Although a law signed Dec. 21 by Gov. Jon Corzine promises same-sex couples who form civil unionsall of the same benefits, protections and responsibilitiesthat flow from marriage, it really means all of the state benefits of marriage.
December 19, 2006
Gov. to Sign NJ Civil Unions Bill on Thursday
Gov. Jon S. Corzine said he hopes to sign civil unions into law on Thursday, which would give gay couples the same rights as married couples, but is worried that mayors will be able to refuse to conduct the ceremonies.December 16, 2006
Some NJ Mayors Balk at Civil Unions
Yesterday, mayors across New Jersey found themselves grappling over that duty when it comes to gay couples who may ask them to preside over a civil union ceremony.December 16, 2006
NJ Civil Unions Provide Limited Benefits
With New Jersey on the verge of passing a civil unions law for same-sex couples, Rick Connolly called his insurance company to see if he could add his partner of 23 years to his homeowner's policy.December 14, 2006
NJ Legislature Adopts Civil Unions
The Legislature voted on Thursday to make New Jersey the third state in the nation to recognize civil unions for same-sex couples. In doing so, it moved quickly to fulfill a court mandate to provide equal rights to gay couples but frustrated people on both sides of the emotional issue.December 14, 2006
NJ Legislature Passes Civil Unions Bill
Lawmakers voted yesterday to make New Jersey the third state in the nation to allow gay couples to form civil unions with all the rights and responsibilities of married couples.December 12, 2006
NJ Senate Committee Approves Civil Unions
State lawmakers could vote later this week on a measure to allow gay and lesbian couples to formcivil unionswith the rights and responsibilities of marriage.
December 11, 2006
NJ Assembly Committee Advances CU Bill
The New Jersey Assembly Judiciary Committee on Thursday recommended passage of legislation that would allow same-sex couples to enter into civil unions but explicitly avoids mention of the wordmarriage.
November 15, 2006
NJ Women Named as Birth Parents
By GEOFF MULVIHILL, A.P. MOUNT LAUREL—In some of the first legal fallout from a state Supreme Court ruling that gives same-sex couples in New Jersey access to the same rights as married couples, two women will be listed on the...November 13, 2006
Support for Civil Unions Outweighs Marriage
TRENTON—Support for same-sex marriage in New Jersey was significantly less than that for civil unions in a poll taken shortly after the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that gay couples should have the same rights as married heterosexuals. A little...October 5, 2006
NJ Governor Won't Block Marriage Equality
New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine will not approve legislation banning gay marriage if the state's highest court rules that such unions are legal, a Corzine spokesman said Thursday.April 5, 2006
BMW: Mixed Messages on DP Benefits Question
I once again spoke with BMW of North America, which is headquartered here in New Jersey. Their public relations person once again reiterated that they do not currently provide such benefits to its employees.April 3, 2006
BMW Discrimination Confirmed
I was recently made aware of the fact that BMW North America, headquartered here in New Jersey, does not currently provide domestic partner benefits to its employees. Following a call to their headquarters, I have confirmed that the company does not provide domestic partner benefits.March 21, 2006
Plainfield Adopts DP Benefits
On Monday night, the Plaintield City Council voted unanimously to adopt two resolutions extending health benefits and pension benefits to domestic partners of city employees.March 10, 2006
Plainfield to Vote on DP Benefits
Bridgewater Courier News City officials have announced that in the coming week, they plan to float a measure that would extend benefits to same- sex domestic partners of public employees.February 15, 2006
Oral Arguments Webcast in Lewis v. Harris
Oral arguments in the Lewis v. Harris case are scheduled to begin at 10 am in the New Jersey Supreme Court. Arguments are scheduled to end before 11:30 am.February 2, 2006
Essex County to Add DP Benefits
In a surprise policy directive during his annual State of the County address last night, Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. proposed extending pension and health benefits to the domestic partners of county employees.
January 25, 2006
Atlantic County Freeholders Delay DP Vote
Just one day before Ocean County voted to extend domestic partner benefits to its employees, Atlantic County's Board of Chosen Freeholders delayed a final vote on its resolution adopting benefits.
January 25, 2006
Ocean County Freeholders Approve DP Benefits
In a 4 to 0 vote, Ocean County freeholders adopted a resolution adopting domestic partner benefits.
January 24, 2006
Jackson Township Passes DP Benefits
The township committee unamimously passed a resolution adopting domestic partner benefits for its employees.
January 21, 2006
Ocean County Relents on Benefits for Hester
Reversing themselves after months of battering at public meetings and in the press, Ocean County's freeholders are scheduled to vote Wednesday to extend pension benefits to the domestic partner of Lt. Laurel Hester and other members of the Police and Fire Retirement System.
January 20, 2006
Camden County Adopts DP Benefits
Camden County Board of Freeholders last night granted domestic partnership benefits to registered domestic partners who are county employees.January 12, 2006
NJ Legislature Recognizes Additional DP Rights
The New Jersey Legislature has clarified that registered domestic partners have rights of inheritance and guardianship equal to that of married spouses.
December 27, 2005
Monmouth County Votes to Add DP Pension Benefits
Unlike the freeholders in neighboring Ocean County, the Republican freeholders of Monmouth County showed that thecompassionate conservativelabel is not an empty slogan when they voted on December 22, 2005 to extend pension benefits to the registered domestic partners of county employees.
December 16, 2005
A Legal Guide for Same-Sex Couples
When the Domestic Partnership Act took effect last year, attorney Stephen J. Hyland decided to put together a short guide to help couples figure out what domestic partnership meant legally.December 4, 2005
NJ Senate Bill Expanding DP Inheritance Rights Move Forward
The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved legislation that would clarify whether domestic partners have the same rights in inheritance and funeral arrangements as married couples.
December 2, 2005
Union County Approves DP Benefits
The Union County Board of Freeholders became the fifth county to provide domestic partnership benefits when it unanimously passed a resolution on December 1, 2005.
November 24, 2005
Ocean Co. Facing Further Criticism on DP Benefits
Gay and civil rights activists were joined by Sen. John Adler and Rep. Frank Pallone in a protest in Toms River following the county's refusal to allow Lt. Laurel Hester to name her partner as her pension beneficiary.
November 23, 2005
Mercer Co. Approves DP Benefits
Mercer County voted to extend health and pension benefits to domestic partners.
November 22, 2005
NJ Cop Sues Washington Township
After years of abuse, veteran officer Mike Kurz filed suit against this South Jersey police force for employment discrimination.
November 21, 2005
Princeton Students to Vote on Marriage Equality
Princeton University students will vote next month on a referendum to join with the Princeton Justice Project in filing an amicus brief in the New Jersey marriage suit.
November 14, 2005
New Version of Domestic Partnership Guide
A new version of my book, New Jersey Domestic Partners: A Legal Guide" has been released and is available in most book stores. Check back on Friday, November 14, for more information....October 24, 2005
Daily Record Gets It Right
A resident of Long Hill Township was charged with a bias crime when he placed an anti-marriage equality bumper sticker on Gina Genovese's bumper. Genovese is an openly-gay member of the township council.
September 21, 2005
Corzine, Forrester: No Ban but No Marriage
Both candidates for New Jersey Governor recently made similar statements that they are opposed to same-sex marriage but oppose a marriage amendment.
September 20, 2005
CT AG: State May Recognize NJ Domestic Partners
Connecticut's Attorney General issued a legal opinion indicating today that the state will recognize New Jersey's domestic partnerships, to the extent that they do not conflict with that state's laws. The state will not, however, recognize same-sex marriages entered elsewhere.
September 16, 2005
NJ Woman Sues State Over Denial of Inheritance Rights
Attorneys from Hill Wallack and Malapero & Prisco, LLP, filed a lawsuit today against the Middlesex County Surrogate and the State of New Jersey on behalf of Betty Jordan, of Perth Amboy, seeking recognition of her right to inherit from her deceased spouse.
September 13, 2005
NJ Supreme Court Among Three Considering Marriage
New Jersey is one of three states (including New York and Washington) in which the highest court will be considering the question of marriage equality.
September 8, 2005
Former Student Alleges Bullying at Holmdel High
A former student at Holmdel High School has filed suit alleging that she was verbally and physically abused because she is a lesbian and that school authorities failed to stop it.
September 7, 2005
NJ Marriage Plaintiff Dies
Marilyn Maneely, the long-time partner of Diane Marini, and one of the plaintiffs in the New Jersey marriage case, Lewis v. Davis, died today from complications of ALS.
August 28, 2005
Next NJ Governor Will Influence NJ Supreme Court
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.
July 11, 2005
NJ Marks 1st Year of Domestic Partnership
Over 400 people showed up in Maplewood on Sunday, July 10, to celebrate the first year of the New Jersey Domestic Partnership and to call for full marriage rights.
June 23, 2005
NJ Appellate Court Lets Seton Hall Continue GLBTI Discrimination
A student's efforts to establish a gay and lesbian group at Seton Hall University, a Roman Catholic institution, suffered a setback Wednesday when a state appeals court dismissed his lawsuit.
June 20, 2005
NJ Marriage Case Heading to Supreme Court
The fight to legalize gay marriage is headed to the highest court in New Jersey, where advocates say past decisions may give them an advantage.
June 18, 2005
NJ Minister Suspended Over Daughter's Wedding
Leaders of the Reformed Church in America suspended a New Jersey minister Friday night, ruling that he violated the Bible and the denomination's teachings when he officiated at his gay daughter's wedding.
June 14, 2005
NJ Appeals Court Rejects Marriage Equality
A state appeals panel ruled Tuesday that New Jersey's Constitution does not require the recognition of gay marriage.
June 9, 2005
Legislative Action Updates
PRINCETON—This website is now tracking legislation that affects the New Jersey GLBTI community and that is currently before the New Jersey Legislature. If we have missed any legislation, please let us know by using our commenting system.
June 1, 2005
West Windsor-Plainsboro Teachers Denied DP Benefits
The local chapter of the NJEA teacher's union sold out its GLBT members in the West Windsor-Plainsboro school district by dropping its demand that domestic partner benefits be provided.
June 1, 2005
Are You a Registered Opposite-Sex Couple?
A reporter from the Associated Press is seeking to interview opposite-sex couples who have registered as domestic partners in New Jersey.
May 31, 2005
Central NJ LGBTI Community Survey
The Princeton Area Community Foundation (PACF) has established the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Partnership Fund to address the needs of central New Jersey's LGBT communities.
May 26, 2005
NJ Lesbian Couple Wins Birth Certificate Battle
The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey (ACLU-NJ) announced today that it successfully obtained a court order yesterday granting a lesbian couple the right to have both of their names listed on their child's birth certificate, pursuant to New Jersey's artificial insemination statute.
May 14, 2005
NJ Allows DP to Sue for Loss of Consortium
Same sex couples in New Jersey will now be able to sue for a loss of consortium under a precedent-setting decision handed down by a judge in Newark.
May 3, 2005
Legislative Action Update
The following bills affecting the New Jersey GLBTI community were introduced or have had action taken on them recently.
April 22, 2005
Newark Teen's Murderer Receives 20 Year Sentence
NEWARK — A 30 year old man has has been sentenced to 20 years behind bars for the murder of Sakia Gunn, a 15 year lesbian stabbed in a homophobic attack as she waited for a bus in in Newark in 2003.
April 6, 2005
Date of Registration Required to Obtain DP Certificate
According to the registrar for Princeton Borough, an individual cannot obtain a copy of his or her certification of domestic partnership unless they provide complete information about the registration.March 16, 2005
NJ Tax Court Grants Veterans' Tax Break to DP
A gay, disabled veteran who owns a home with his registered domestic partner should receive the same tax break that a married veteran would receive, a judge has ruled.March 10, 2005
NJ Seminary Head Forced to Quit Early Over Daughter's Wedding
The president of the New Brunswick Theological Seminary whose contract was not renewed after he performed the ceremony at his daughter's wedding to another woman has now been told to pack up and get out three months early.
March 8, 2005
NJ Legislation Advances DP Rights
The surviving partners of LGBT veterans would get a full property tax exemption under legislation being considered by the New Jersey legislature.March 4, 2005
Newark Man Pleads Guilty in Lesbian Teen's Death
NEWARK, NJ — A 30 year old man has pleaded guilty to the murder of Sakia Gunn, a 15 year lesbian stabbed in a homophobic attack as she waited for a bus in 2003....February 28, 2005
NJ Serial Killer on Trial for Gay Murders
TRENTON, NJ — A man accused of killing gay men and leaving their bodies along rural roads will stand trial in September....February 11, 2005
NJ Seminary President Loses Contract for Officiating at Daughter's Wedding
NEW BRUNSWICK — The New Brunswick Theological Seminary has ousted its president and reprimanded him for officiating at his gay daughter's wedding....February 10, 2005
Hudson County to Vote on DP Benefits
JERSEY CITY, NJ — Hudson County is poised to extend health and pension benefits to county employees' same-sex partners....February 7, 2005
New Role for Ex-Governor McGreevey
TRENTON — Former Gov. James E. McGreevey wants to get involved in public policy issues and is slowly starting to build a new resume, according to his advisers....January 27, 2005
Wal-Mart Extends Benefits to NJ Domestic Partners
WASHINGTON, DC — Wal-Mart, the nation's largest private employer, has adopted a new definition of family that includes same-sex partners recognized under state law....January 23, 2005
New Bills Introduced to Extend NJ DP Rights
TRENTON — Three new bills have been introduced in the New Jersey Legislature to modify and extend the rights of New Jersey domestic partners....December 21, 2004
2,640 NJ Couples Register as DPs
In the five months since New Jersey's domestic partner law went into effect nearly 2,700 couples have registered. But, many others are waiting to see how a suit to gain full marriage rights plays out in the courts.December 7, 2004
Arguments Heard in NJ Marriage Case
The state's refusal to allow same-sex couples to marry relegates them to second-class citizenship and should be overturned just as racial segregation was struck down in an earlier era, a gay- rights lawyer told a state appeals court yesterday....December 6, 2004
Oral Arguments Awaited in NJ Marriage Suit
The effort to get same-sex marriage legalized in New Jersey resumes Tuesday when an appeals court hears arguments on behalf of gay couples who sued the state because they want to wed....November 18, 2004
Woodbury BOE Considers Gay-Straight Alliance
WOODBURY, NJ — A group of students at Woodbury High School are seeking an endorsement of a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Club from the board of education....November 15, 2004
NJ Officer Wins Essex Harassment Suit
A former Essex County sheriff's officer who claimed she was harassed on the job because she is a lesbian — and got little relief from her superiors when she complained — was awarded $2.8 million by a Union County...November 10, 2004
Gay Rights Advocacy Role for Ex-Governor?
From advocating for gay rights to pushing for stem cell research, life beyond the governorship appears to be full of possibilities for James E. McGreevey....November 8, 2004
NJ Governor's Goodbye Speech: "Gay and Proud"
TRENTON — A contrite Gov. James E. McGreevey gave a farewell address Monday in which he detailed his accomplishments in office and said he does not apologize for being a gay American....October 25, 2004
Cipel's Lawyer: No Evidence of Blackmail
TRENTON — A federal investigation has uncovered no evidence that a former aide to Gov. James E. McGreevey tried to extort millions of dollars from him, according to the aide's lawyer and law enforcement officials....October 15, 2004
NJ Governor Attends GLBT Fund Raiser
NEW YORK — New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey on Thursday made his first appearance at a gay event _ a civil rights fund-raising dinner _ since publicly acknowledging he is a gay American....October 7, 2004
NJ Supreme Court Rejects Direct Marriage Suit Appeal
The New Jersey Supreme Court announced today it is leaving a case involving the legality of same-sex marriages with an appeals court....September 23, 2004
Montclair Gay Couple Sues for Property Tax Exemption
MONTCLAIR — A Montclair gay couple is challenging the limits of the state's Domestic Partnership Act by appealing their property taxes to the New Jersey State Tax Court this week....September 21, 2004
Direct Appeal Filed in NJ Marriage Suit
TRENTON - The New Jersey Supreme Court will be asked Wednesday to hear a challenge to the state's refusal to recognize same-sex marriage....September 12, 2004
NJ Civil Rights Act Signed
Gov. James E. McGreevey signed a bill yesterday enabling New Jerseyans to sue in state court over violations of their civil rights, despite a warning that citizens will be afraid to use it for fear of being forced to...September 3, 2004
NJ AG Defends Marriage Ban
TRENTON, N.J. — The Attorney General's Office defended the state's ban on same-sex marriage in legal papers filed late Thursday, reiterating its position that New Jersey's Constitution does not permit gay unions and that the power to change the...August 30, 2004
McGreevey: A Commentary
I thought the Governor's admission, I am a gay American,
was particularly brave of him. How many of us could handle coming out in such a public manner and do so with as much dignity? On the otherhand, his admission made the Governor's opposition to same-sex marriage seem hollow and hypocritical.
August 30, 2004
McGreevey Aide Fails to File Harassment Case
A former aide who claims New Jersey Gov. James E. McGreevey sexually harassed him said Monday he will not sue the governor....August 24, 2004
NJ Supreme Court Announces DP Termination Rules
Supreme Court of New JerseyTerminations of Domestic Partnerships - Procedures...August 12, 2004
NJ Gov. - "I Am a Gay American"
New Jersey Gov. James E. McGreevey announced Thursday that he is gay and had an affair with another man and that he was resigning from office....August 3, 2004
Hamilton, NJ to Vote on DP Benefits
The Hamilton township council is expected to vote tonight on whether to include same-sex domestic partners and opposite sex partners over the age of 62 in its health benefits and pension programs.
August 1, 2004
NJ School Board Liable for Gay Student Harassment
TRENTON, NJ - A ruling by the state's top civil rights official is expected to hold school administrators to standards similar to those that employers must enforce in the workplace....July 10, 2004
NJ DP Registrations Begin in South Orange, Maplewood
After 10 years with her partner, Cathy Schenone is glad finally to be covered by Michele Tollefson's health insurance plan at work.July 10, 2004
NJ Couples Celebrate New Rights
Seven years after they met in an Internet chat room for gay fathers, Martin Finkle and Mike Plake walked into South Orange Village Hall early today and became New Jersey's first same-sex couple officially recognized as domestic partners....July 10, 2004
NJ Couples Line Up for DP Registration
Same-sex couples across the state are excited about registering their relationships with municipal officials on the first day allowed under New Jersey's new domestic partnership law....July 9, 2004
Gaps Mar NJ Domestic Partnership Law
No help for gay couples who split Registering for a domestic partnership in New Jersey will soon be easy. But breaking up will be hard to do....July 6, 2004
Secaucus Gay Couple Sues Fire Department Over Harassment
Two gay men who claim they've been harassed by members of the volunteer fire department for the last three months have filed a civil suit against the department and the town....June 30, 2004
Princeton Borough OK's DP Benefits
With a pair of unanimous votes by the borough council June 23, the borough joined a short list of New Jersey government bodies that have agreed to offer health-care and pension benefits to employees' same-sex domestic partners....June 23, 2004
Princeton Borough To Hold Vote on DP Benefits
Local officials could decide tonight if the borough will join a very short list of New Jersey government bodies that offer health-care and pension benefits to employees' same-sex domestic partners....June 19, 2004
Maplewood, NJ to Begin DP Registration July 10
Maplewood's Democratic mayor and township committee, in a strong show of support for the new Domestic Partnership Act, this week agreed to open Town Hall the day the law becomes effective. A party is also planned....June 19, 2004
NJ Senate Passes Enhanced Civil Rights Bill
Legislation that would allow New Jerseyans to sue in state court for any violation of their civil rights passed the Senate yesterday by a 22-12 vote despite warnings it will drive up municipal insurance costs and property taxes....June 17, 2004
Asbury Park School Board Member Attacks Gay Board President
Reinstated Superintendent Antonio Lewis was back at his first school meeting in six months last night after winning every decision by judges and the state education commissioner who agreed Lewis was wrongly removed by a former Board of Education...May 27, 2004
NJ Cop Files Gay Bias Suit
A New Jersey police officer has launched a discrimination suit against Haledon, New Jersey and several of its police officials alleging that he was refused a promotion because he is gay....May 12, 2004
NJ, WA Next Marriage Battlegrounds
Next week same-sex marriage becomes legal in Massachusetts, but two other states may not be far behind. Lawsuits identical to the case that won marriage in Massachusetts are expected to reach high courts in New Jersey and Washington State...May 12, 2004
Newark Rally Marks Teen Lesbian's Death
Sakia Gunn is not forgotten. Tuesday night close to 200 people held a vigil at the spot where the 15-year-old lesbian was brutally stabbed one year ago. Earlier in the day, schools throughout the city held a minute of...May 8, 2004
NJ Marriage Suit Advances
A suit challenging a New Jersey law that prevents same-sex marriage will be heard by the state Court of Appeals....May 6, 2004
Police, AG Investigate Secaucus Anti-gay Harassment
A gay couple who live next door to a Secaucus firehouse are alleging that volunteers hurled anti-gay epithets, dirty condoms, rocks, and death threats at them during the past few months - claims that the police, Hudson County prosecutor,...April 22, 2004
Asbury Park Joins NJ Marriage Suit
In a 3-0 vote, the City Council passed a resolution to have the city join _ as an intervenor _ in a civil suit that calls the state's ban unconstitutional. Two council members were absent....March 16, 2004
Lawsuits Challenge Asbury Park Weddings
Two lawsuits were filed Monday over the marriage licenses issued to same-sex couples in Asbury Park, one by city officials seeking a court ruling in support of same-sex vows and the other by a conservative group seeking a declaration...March 9, 2004
NJ AG to Stop Asbury Park Weddings
Same-sex couples seeking marriage licenses began lining up in front of Asbury Park city hall this morning long before the clerk's office opened while the New Jersey Attorney General began working on getting an injunction to stop the city...March 9, 2004
Asbury Park Weddings
New Jersey is the latest state where same-sex couples are marrying. The first wedding took place late Monday afternoon in Asbury Park.January 13, 2004
NJ Marriage Suit to Continue
A day after Gov. James E. McGreevey signed legislation recognizing domestic partnerships gay activists say it isn't enough. Lawyers for 7 same-sex couples who are suing the state for the right to marry say their case will continue in...January 12, 2004
NJ Gov. Signs Domestic Partnership Act
Governor James E. McGreevey signed New Jersey's domestic partner bill in a ceremony this afternoon. It will become law in 180 days, allowing the state time to prepare for the changes.January 8, 2004
NJ Senate Passes Domestic Partnership Act
The New Jersey Senate voted 23-9 Thursday to approve a bill extending many of the state benefits of marriage to gay and lesbian couples....
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