Sen. Menendez Comes Out Strong for Marriage Equality

by: Jeff Gardner

Mon Dec 19, 2011 at 05:10:00 PM EST

In a powerful op-ed in favor of marriage equality, which appeared in yesterday's Star Ledger, Sen. Bob Menendez pledged his support for the Federal Respect for Marriage Act, a bill that would repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). And in doing so, Sen. Menendez spoke in no uncertain terms about the injustice that continues to face same-sex couples who wish to marry in New Jersey and elsewhere:

[F]or me, this comes down to an issue of fundamental fairness. For me, this comes down to the principles I learned as the child of immigrants and that I cherish as an American: that we believe in equality for all people under the law.

Perhaps what is most compelling is the fact, which Sen. Menendez acknowledges in his op-ed, that he voted 15 years ago for DOMA, along with an overwhelming number of his colleagues. But following that vote, the Senator notes: "like tens of millions of Americans, [he has] reflected deeply and frequently about this issue." That is what has been happening in America, at kitchen tables, holiday meals, community events, and more. And it is something to be applauded. That's how progress happens.

Menendez became the 32nd U.S. Senator to publicly announce support for the bill, which is also sponsored by 134 members of the House. Indeed, in New Jersey, support from our Democratic Congressional delegation is nearly unanimous. Yet, despite those solid and growing numbers, support for the bill here (and nationally) continues, regrettably, to be primarily from the Democratic side of the aisle.

That's a shame.

Jeff Gardner :: Sen. Menendez Comes Out Strong for Marriage Equality

It's a shame when it comes to this bill pending in Congress, and it's a shame when it comes to our marriage equality bill in New Jersey. Equality under the law, fairness, justice, the pursuit of happiness - these should not be partisan issues. Denying same-sex couples the freedom to marry is discrimination, plain and simple. And, as Menendez said yesterday, "This kind of discrimination cannot be tolerated in our society as a matter of law, and it should not be tolerated." Not by anyone, regardless of party.

So, now we end 2011 much as we began it, and as we began and ended for too many years - still fighting for equality, fairness, justice and the pursuit of happiness. My hope for 2012 is for still more NJ voices - from both sides of the aisle - to reflect deeply about whether they are willing to tolerate discrimination. Because, when they do, I think they'll join with Sen. Menendez, and a majority of New Jerseyans on this issue.