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10 AM Open Thread - Marriage Equality Hearing in Assembly Judiciary

by: Rosi Efthim

Thu Feb 02, 2012 at 09:55:30 AM EST



UPDATE 7:25: Full Assembly will take A-1 up Feb. 16.
UPDATE 5:10pm: After nearly 7 hours of testimony, the Assembly Judiciary Committee voted 5-2 to send A-1 to the full Assembly for consideration. The vote: YES: Johnson, Gusciora, Caputo, Quijano, Barnes. NO: Carroll, Schepisi. Straight party-line vote.

Steven Goldstein, GSE at Assembly Judiciary 1/2/12
Garden State Equality's Steven Goldstein in a rare moment of calm
If this post looks familiar, it should: 9 days ago, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard hours of testimony, then passed S-1 to the full Senate by a vote of 8-4.

Today, Assembly Judiciary Committee hears testimony on A-1. At the Senate panel session, though there were far more people who showed up and were prepared to testify for equality, about an equal number of pro's and con's were chosen to address the committee. This morning, Garden State Equality showed up at the crack of dawn to greet supporters, many of whom arrived wearing EQUALITY The American Dream tee-shirts. Gov. Christie's response to the rise in the legislature of this issue was the ill-advised and ignorant statement about the civil rights movement which got him a week of the kind of national coverage people usually don't want.

Assembly Judiciary crowd, ME, 1/2/12
Crowd waits at Assembly Judiciary, many in EQUALITY t-shirts
Two ways (or both) to follow:

  • Follow Blue Jersey on Twitter.
  • Listen LIVE here.
    Please note: You'll need Windows Media Player, which takes a few moments to download. There's a link for it on the Statehouse media page. Hearings often start late, so keep refreshing the page until it's up.

  • We'll keep this an Open Thread. So if you're listening or in the audience, please let us know what you're hearing and thinking.  
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    Rosi Efthim :: 10 AM Open Thread - Marriage Equality Hearing in Assembly Judiciary
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    10 AM Open Thread - Marriage Equality Hearing in Assembly Judiciary | 152 comments
    Beat the Bushes (0.00 / 0)
    The Assembly Judiciary Committee members are:
    Barnes, Peter J. - Chair (D-18); Quijano, Annette - Vice-Chair (D-20); Caputo, Ralph R. (D-28); Carroll, Michael Patrick (R-25); Johnson, Gordon M. (D-37); McKeon, John F. (D-27); and Schepisi, Holly (R-39).

    MPW will vote no. Schepisi just joined the Legislature last month. She is a lawyer (Catholic University of America) in private practice, and has served as a township attorney and former intern of Congreswoman Marge Roukema.

    The bill is expected to pass the committee, but it's future on the Assembly floor is less clear.

    Sen. Weinberg has said, This is one of those moments that can only be articulated by the inaudible language of the heart." Our hearts and actions must be made clearer to legislators. More calls, letters, e-mails, tweets, and meetings with "on the fence" Democrats in both the Assembly and Senate can make the difference.

    "The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die." - Sen. Ted Kennedy

    Should we be concerned about Barnes? (0.00 / 0)
    He is supposedly bad on a woman's right to choose.  That doesn't mean that he is necessarily bad on LGBT issues , but it does give me reason to be concerned.
    [ Parent ]
    How Libertarian To (0.00 / 0)
    oppose expanding rights for people.
    [ Parent ]
    BRAVO CHAIRMAN BARNES! (0.00 / 0)
    I haven't seen a crazy hearing move so smoothly since the late John Adler chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee as i did today with Peter Barnes at the helm in Trenton.

    Barnes did a remarkable, professional job and his colleagues could take a page or two from today's display of cool, calm leadership.  

    activist for hire.Follow jay_lass on Twitter

    [ Parent ]
    NOM Assails Christie Supreme Nomination (0.00 / 0)
    and they provide a link so you can send Gov. Christie a message protesting his nominiation of an out black Republican, Bruce Harris, to the NJ state Supreme Court. Or, you could use the link to, you know, support Mr. Harris (on NOM's dime) ...

    http://www.nomblog.com/18702/

    Yeah, you'll end up getting e-mail from NOM but that costs them something, too.

    I like getting right wing email... (0.00 / 0)
    ...  I play out my own Daily Show scripts around them.
    [ Parent ]
    Sheila Oliver (0.00 / 0)
    We're here to right a wrong.


    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Live-tweeting (0.00 / 0)
    By the way, we're also live-tweeting this: @bluejersey. Please follow, RT, and join in.


    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    John Lewis (0.00 / 0)
    Speaker Sheila Oliver noting that Freedom Rider Rep. John Lewis of GA came to #NJ to talk #NJEquality

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Speaker Sheila Oliver giving testimony (0.00 / 0)
    IMG_20120202_104117

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    "Numbnuts" (0.00 / 0)
    This is what Chris Christie called Assemblyman Reed Gusciora this week. It took national coverage and MLK's disciple Rep. John Lewis to come to NJ to get Chris Christie to apologize for his unhistorical and arrogant slur on the civil rights movement, but he pointedly did not apologize to Gusciora for what he called him. Now Gusciora says the kind of name-calling we've had this week would ramp up if in fact we had the referendum on this right that Christie wants to have.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Gusciora (0.00 / 0)
    Gusciora reads section of bill exempting religious institutions and their facilities from holding gay marriages.

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Wisniewski (0.00 / 0)
    No one's civil rights should be subjected to a popularity contest. Reminds colleagues of the oath of office they took just a few days ago.

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Wisniewski (0.00 / 0)
    shares stories of employers and hospitals not giving equal treatment to couples in civil unions.

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Each day (0.00 / 0)
    we delay is a day justice is delayed.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Blue Jerseyan Loretta (0.00 / 0)
    Weinberg up next. New Jersey Marriage Equality godmother, Blue Jersey writer, Senate Majority Leader, and sponsor of the Senate ME bill.

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Loretta (0.00 / 0)
    When my husband was ill and we had to face end of life issues, nobody asked us about our relationship.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    irritating reality (4.00 / 1)
    my father cohabited with a lovely woman for close to ten years, until illness forced him into assisted living.

    In all that time, no one ever questioned that they were married or asked for proof. She made all kinds of medical decisions for him (usually after consulting with me, but not always because I wasn't always available). She learned real quick that if someone called her Mrs. McGrath not to argue the point.

    I suppose its true that no one usually suspects 70 year olds of shacking up, but that's the power of marriage - the mere presumption of it confers power.

    [ Parent ]
    Weinberg: (0.00 / 0)
    Reminds Assemblymen that two fellow members of the assembly - Reed Gusciora and Tim Eustace - might like to get married. How you can look at your colleague in the face and say you're not going to vote for this, is something I don't understand.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    1915 (0.00 / 0)
    Loretta Weinberg reminds Assembly Judiciary of the last referendum on a civil right: 1915, when we voted down a woman's right to vote.

    This is about family values.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    New assemblyman Tim Eustace (0.00 / 0)
    one of two openly gay members in the Assembly, speaks next. With him, his son Kyle, who will also testify.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Assemblyman Tim Eustace's son: (0.00 / 0)
    The last word in "gay people" is "people" Everybody deserves rights.
    His father, is one of 2 openly gay members of the NJ Assembly.



    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    Galluccio family (0.00 / 0)
    Galluccio family, members of the Blue Jersey community, both husbands and some - not even all - of their children: "I want you to see this, because we are a family."

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Madison Galluccio (0.00 / 0)
    Will you help me? This is my family and I want us to be able to have the same rights as you. First applause of the day, for Madison, who was weeping during her testimony. Her brother up next.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Adolph Galluccio (0.00 / 0)
    Father of Michael, who just spoke with his kids and partner.

    Adolph speaks of how he was ashamed of his gay son 30 years ago, but realized there was nothing to be ashamed of. We have 4 kids - 1 gay, 3 not. We treat all their families the same. We ask that you do too.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    Babs Casbar (0.00 / 0)
    Our friend Babs Casbar: Outlines how religious entities do not lose their rights if gay people's rights to marry are recognized.

    Babs was a member of the Civil Union Commission, was married herself and is now widowed. Babs is also the first Transgender member of the Democratic National Committee and serves in its Executive Committee now.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    yaay Babs! n/t (0.00 / 0)

    [ Parent ]
    Seated & speaking soon: (0.00 / 0)
    Jay Lassiter.

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Catholic rep & rabbi (0.00 / 0)
    downplaying the number of complaints that New Jersey civil unions are not working.

    Next, a rabbi to speak about "moral values".  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    Thanks for the tweets Rosi.... (0.00 / 0)
    ...following at my desk at work  ;-)
    Tom Wyka (4.00 / 1)
    You're very welcome - but frankly after all the nonsense we blogged and tweeted that the anti-equality crowd said, I'm spending a little less psychic energy on what they say, and more on the people who make more sense, and are more family- and community-minded. That's the pro-equality side.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    [ Parent ]
    Blue Jersey's Jay Lassiter (0.00 / 0)
    gets ready to testify a few minutes from now:
    2012-02-02_11-38-58_421

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    The addition of photos is a nice touch (4.00 / 1)
    Thanks, Rosi, for including them. It's almost like being there. :-)
    The anti-equality people (0.00 / 0)
    Why do they continue to try to read their written testimony? They've been asked not to repeatedly. And they take too long trying to do it.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Yeah, you'd think they'd rehearse... (0.00 / 0)
    ...their bigotry before showing up. By this point, this should have it down cold.
    [ Parent ]
    Betty Wyka just called (0.00 / 0)
    to get ready to testify. That's Tom's wife, my good friend and Jeff Gardner's through DFA. A good soul, and fellow supporter of equality, straight corps.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Loretta, a few minutes ago (0.00 / 0)
    Deciminyan snapped this picture of Blue Jersey's writer, Senate Majority Leader, (Senate sponsor of marriage equality) and NJ Marriage Equality Godmother Loretta Weinberg, testifying without notes:
    IMG_20120202_110011-1

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Jay Lassiter (0.00 / 0)
    Talks about sign he saw: DIVORCE $399. Kind of sad, right? But it's the law. I'm a Roman Catholic, former alter boy. Extremely Catholic family - Catholic School educated. And from a completely supportive family.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Go Jay Lassiter!! (4.00 / 1)

    [ Parent ]
    Jay (0.00 / 0)
    Only way we should send this to a referendum is to ask New Jerseyans how they would vote on divorce. Maybe divorced people shouldn't be allowed to remarry.

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Kim Otto (0.00 / 0)
    I am the very proud mother of a gay son. When he came out, I truly believe the Holy Spirit was guiding him.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Reed Gusciora (0.00 / 0)
    Assembly sponsor of this bill - and the man Chris Christie called "numbnuts" this week for defending civil rights history and opposing the Guv's call for a marriage referendum, giving testimony a few minutes ago:

    IMG_20120202_104331

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    Impressed (0.00 / 0)
    I  was really impressed with him yesterday when he made sure the Bigotry comment stuck by repeating it forcefully.

    Carolyne Volpe Curley
    [ Parent ]
    "The people in the pews" (0.00 / 0)
    We're the people you hardly hear from. You hear from the higher ups - the bishops. But we differ from the hierarchy. Their position is inhuman.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    ACLU's lawyer Jeanne LoCicero (0.00 / 0)
    testifying. Rights cannot exist in theory, they have to exist in reality, or they're worthless.

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Betty Wyka (4.00 / 2)
    Just celebrated with Tom 20 years of marriage. Practicing Catholics, raising their children in the faith. Jokes her husband is "her first". And - State is perfectly happy to let her marry again and again. But the state can't force her church to marry her in the church. This will not take away her church's rights.

    Her children - like many other children - don't understand what all this fuss is about. Allowing same-sex couples makes sense to them.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    Really (0.00 / 0)
    All this will look so stupid to Betty and Tom's kids and their friends 10-20 years hence.

    These deniers of basic rights will be dinosaurs of history. I only wish they could see that.

    [ Parent ]
    Good point (4.00 / 1)
    After all, who would want to go down in history as an impediment to social progress and justice? Is that really how some of these opponents want to be remembered? Or are they counting on people have short memories?
    [ Parent ]
    You know something Alex... (4.00 / 1)
    ..the challenge is for all of us (progressive minded as we all think of ourselves) to clean out the "dogma" from time to time.   Eh?   ;-)    But yeah - I wonder about that too.  These folks are pretty stuck on this opinion aren't they?
    [ Parent ]
    XOXOX!! <3 (4.00 / 1)
    That's my girl  ;-)
    [ Parent ]
    Brilliant comparison (0.00 / 0)
    That really is a great way of framing the issue. The state does not take the lead from religious organizations where opposite-sex marriage is concerned so why should it now on this issue? That wall of separation serves a good purpose, after all.
    [ Parent ]
    My friend (0.00 / 0)
    Luanne Peterpaul is making me cry.

    I am so proud of the testimony the pro-equality side is giving today, and gave last week. Community-minded. Family-minded. Decent. Fair. Articulate. Lovely.

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    Some guy (0.00 / 0)
    Who thinks the US should be a theocracy is speaking right now.
    Marriage and homosexuality (0.00 / 0)
    stand at the opposite ends of the moral spectrum.

    Some of the testimony from some of the anti-folks isn't very nice.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    Betty Wyka (4.00 / 2)
    Testifying a few minutes ago:

    IMG_20120202_120911

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    XOXOX <3 (0.00 / 0)

    [ Parent ]
    Whoa (4.00 / 2)
    Connecting civil rights community and gay rights community "offends" some members of the African-American community? THIS is why you think people objected so strongly to Gov. Christie's ignorant comment (for which he reluctantly apologized) this week?

    You ignorant, arrogant, superior woman. F*cking Eagle Forum.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    Prissy (0.00 / 0)
    She also wants to make divorce harder. Way to put your morality on the rest of us, prissy, officious snot.
    [ Parent ]
    If divorce were harder... (0.00 / 0)
    ... that would've put a big bind on Newly appointed Mrs. DeCroce's political career.    I'm guessing this woman can't be much of a Newt fan - eh?
    [ Parent ]
    OK - deep breaths folks... (0.00 / 0)
    ... but ain't it uncanny how they draw out the worst in us?
    [ Parent ]
    Wanted to write bad (0.00 / 0)
    bad words. Words that start with a "b" and rhyme with "witch." But I didn't. I'm a good Blue Jersey poster!

    BTW, Tom, Betty rocked!

    Linda

    [ Parent ]
    Up soon: (0.00 / 0)
    Len Deo: This guy.
    Parsippany native... (0.00 / 0)
    ... he's my bud... not.    So proud.  Note about that cross post.   There was speculation that this guy is "retired".  Well yes - he's a retired florist (ok - stop snickering), and now works full time as a paid lobbyist for "conservative family values"
    (If I'm up to date on his career.)
    [ Parent ]
    Leadership out of the room (0.00 / 0)
    Speaker Sheila Oliver, Senator Loretta Weinberg and Assemblyman John Wisniewski, NJDSC Chair, have all left the room over the last few minutes.

    Heading into the 3rd hour of testimony now.  

    From the NJEA testimony: (4.00 / 4)
    Teacher to kid: "Elijah - you have two Daddies! That's cool!"

    Yeah, sometimes I love this world.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    NJEA (4.00 / 1)
    Our teachers are very diverse. Our students also diverse. We're proud to teach, drive, nurse, attend to them all. That's why we are for marriage equality. We want equality & justice for all our students.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Who testified? (0.00 / 0)
    My stream is breaking up. Did you catch who got a chance to speak on behalf of NJEA this time?
    [ Parent ]
    Ginger Gold Schnitzer (4.00 / 1)
    And a man, whose name - sorry - I didn't hear.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    [ Parent ]
    Yay, Ginger! (0.00 / 0)
    Sean will be so thrilled. She's such a good friend and, at the risk of punning, has a heart of gold.
    [ Parent ]
    SEIU (0.00 / 0)
    Our union believes we will not enjoy free and just America until rights for all, including men marrying men, and women women.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Hey, religious folks - (4.00 / 1)
    There are some of you folks I'm just glad to say I don't have to live in the same religion as you. You're superior, lecturing, and you obviously have a very limited view of the world. I don't know if the God you worship would even recognize you.

    Leaders of so many faiths in New Jersey have expressed the support and love for ALL their parishioners - read it here. Where is YOUR love for the world?  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    Saint Anne Heche (4.00 / 1)
    Can't believe we got all the way to 152 minutes of testimony before Saint Anne Heche of the Reformed Former Homosexual was mentioned.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    As it should be (0.00 / 0)
    I'm getting the sense that there's much more balance and opportunity for secular organizations to speak first this time, as opposed to the senate hearing. And that's a good thing.
    [ Parent ]
    Press table (0.00 / 0)
    All of the TV press is gone. Only about 6 at the press table - including Blue Jersey. Much less coverage than at the Senate hearings.

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Marsha and Louise (0.00 / 0)
    My friends, and fellow board members at Garden State Equality. This is their story. Louise's daughter, who Marsha considers her child also, speaking now.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    She was great! nt (0.00 / 0)

    [ Parent ]
    Danny Weiss (0.00 / 0)
    Danny Weiss: In NJ we have a civil union once we cross the Hudson we have something that nobody else understands.

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Marsha and Louise (0.00 / 0)
    Tearfully explaining to the funeral director what their relationship is as they prepared to bury their son. "Our relationship continues to be invalidated by health care facilities." "Civil unions are forcing us to sit on the sidelines of society and we do not understand why."

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Impossible not to notice. (0.00 / 0)
    Pro-equality testimony: Personal. Tearful. Family-oriented.

    Anti-equality testimony: Lecturing. Superior. Impersonal.

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    Catholic bride testifies (0.00 / 0)
    Tyler Clementi's cousin. Talking about his suicide, and the way his absence affected her wedding.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    A very special Catholic testimony (0.00 / 0)
    Tyler Clementi's cousin: Tells how her Catholic friends and Deacon offered their love and the Eucharist when #Tyler died.

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Get this Catholic bride to Christie (4.00 / 1)
    Gov. Christie, a Catholic whose children are being educated in the faith, is on record as against marriage equality. He is also on record expressing New Jersey's sorrow at the loss by suicide of Tyler Clementi. But I do not see how he could maintain that position with just a few minutes in the presence of this grieving bride whose cousin jumped off the George Washington Bridge to his death.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Who is this character (0.00 / 0)
    who is now preaching at the top of his voice to to the hearing room. Somebody tell him to Pipe Down!

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    If we would just study the lifestyle (0.00 / 0)
    We would see there is an emotional issue (behind homosexual behavior).


    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    That was Jay (4.00 / 1)
    Who tried to shout down the crazy witness

    Blog: http://www.deciminyan.org
    Tyler Clementi's cousin (0.00 / 0)
    Among the most moving testimony today, immediately scorned by the very next person who testified that "some of this testimony" was pitched to get you tearful. Here is Tyler's cousin, a new bride, who talked about his loss in her life, and asked for equality "for all the Tylers out there:"
    IMG_20120202_132558

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    If you endorse this bill (0.00 / 0)
    You will be endorsing a crime against God.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    I so wish... (4.00 / 1)
    ...the chair would bang a gavel at such an utterance and say "Relevance? Ever hear of the Establishment Clause?"
    [ Parent ]
    Picture: A few minutes ago (0.00 / 0)
    Danny, John, Louise, Marsha:

    IMG_20120202_131250

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    "These people" (0.00 / 0)
    Said with as much scorn by these people as "homosexual".  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    How about getting an atheist/agnostic to testify at the hearing? (4.00 / 2)
    I'm listening to the hearing live right now and I'm surprised that I haven't heard a single testimony from an atheist/agnostic/non-believer.  I respect religion and people's personal religious beliefs but I get incredibly frustrated and annoyed when I hear people quoting Biblical and religious verses to justify why we shouldn't have marriage equality.  How about hearing some testimony from a non-believer to show some evidence that religion is not the end-all be-all and that religion does not and should not apply to an issue like this.
    I share your frustration (0.00 / 0)
    This hearing is actually much better than the Senate hearing in terms of balance but the fact remains that far too much weight is given to religious scruples with regard to a matter that is, ultimately, about law. It's not up to the state legislature to decide whose idea of god is the right one, after all.
    [ Parent ]
    Classmate of Tyler Clementi at Rutgers (4.00 / 2)
    There is a "code of silence" in effect right now, that I couldn't love him and also at the same time have my opinion, which is in support of "natural marriage". I used to be heavily addicted to pornography and it was only through the bible I was able to be cured.
    #gay #denial  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Look, I'm sorry (4.00 / 1)
    to sum up that young testifier who just finished speaking. I give any young person for taking the time, and braving the sense of intimidation of a legislative hearing room. I don't know if he's gay. I don't know if he's in denial. But I do know that the people he's testifying with, with their talk of "same sex attraction" and how you can "get over that" as so many people "want to do" - those people for whom Anne Heche is patron saint (though she doesn't want to be) are offensive to anybody thinking more fairly, and with more respect and affection for people.

    And I'm straight. I can't begin to imagine how that feels to be in the room, 10 feet away, and hear that kind of nasty, pious judgement.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    "Lifestyle choices" (0.00 / 0)
    "Same-sex attraction"

    "Ho-mo-sex-u-al"

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    Rabbi Gene Rosenberg (0.00 / 0)

    "people who oppose this legislation do not hate gay people"

    Carolyne Volpe Curley
    Assembly Judiciary Chair (0.00 / 0)
    Peter Barnes says all who want to testify will have their chance.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Illegal husband (0.00 / 0)
    Charles Parachian "I'm here with my illegal husband of 21 years and 5 of our 6 adopted children." Hilarious.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Charles Parachian (0.00 / 0)

    "I'm here with my illegal husband of 21 years and 5 of our 6 adopted children"

    Their adoption certificates say parent and parent, not father and father.


    Carolyne Volpe Curley

    Classmate of Tyler Clementi (0.00 / 0)
    Testified a few minutes ago. He is the one who said he can feel love for Tyler at the same time as hold his own opinion about marriage. He is for "natural marriage," saying the bible cured him of his addiction to pornography.

    Rutgers classmate of Tyler Clementi, anti-ME

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    Rabbi Joel Abraham (0.00 / 0)

    "people of faith disagree"

    Carolyne Volpe Curley
    Finally (4.00 / 2)
    An acknowledgement that marriage is legal and not religious.
    [ Parent ]
    Michael Patrick Carroll (0.00 / 0)
    Michael Patrick Carroll listens to a rabbi's testimony:

    Michael Patrick Carroll listens to rabbi's testimony

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    Gloucester County resident (0.00 / 0)
    testifying that jobs, economy are more important than this issue, that none of the Assembly members campaigned on ME as the most important issue. And it shouldn't be bill A-1 while people sit in union halls with double digit unemployment.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Rob Eichmann (0.00 / 0)
    "Civil unions work."
    "1 in 10 of us are not working."
    "Foreclosures at an all time high.
    Is this really the single most important legislative goal for our state?"

    Carolyne Volpe Curley
    Going to take a break for a few min (0.00 / 0)
    Feel free to jump in if you're listening.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    David Goselin (0.00 / 0)
    Clergy who stand for same-sex marriage are doubly responsible to God and have more of a consequence to God than we do.
    So if they are willing to oppose God, they'll suffer the consequences.

    Carolyne Volpe Curley
    Again I ask (4.00 / 1)
    How is such testimony at all relevant to a matter of civil law? Thomas Jefferson must be rolling over in his grave.
    [ Parent ]
    Rabbi (4.00 / 1)

    "we need to mourn for those who never truly lived"
    their life direction was robbed from them by people who told them they had to change


    Carolyne Volpe Curley
    Stephanie Tolomayo (0.00 / 0)
    Son Mark came out when he was 11 1/2.

    He's been mentally abused and attacked and lives in fear every day of his life.

    "Does anybody really think my son would have chosen this life for himself"

    "Beaten so down that he didn't want to live"

    "I am a mother and I cannot wrap my mind around how in 2012 he can't get legally married in the state of NJ"

    I talk to him about civil unons and how they don't work and how he is viewed as a second class citizen.

    One of my kids was born with equal rites, the other one was not.

    Every human being deserves the right for equal and full equality

    "Stop this hate."

    "They are not hurting anybody or affecting anybody else's life.

    "Please vote as if it was your own son."

    Carolyne Volpe Curley

    More to come (4.00 / 1)
    A staffer just informed me that there's about 3 more hours of testimony

    Blog: http://www.deciminyan.org
    Steve MacNamara (0.00 / 0)

    "Hallmark doesn't make a Happy Civil Union anniversary card"
    Laughs from crowd.

    Carolyne Volpe Curley
    Wives Tony Gratso and Julie Scalar Knolwes (0.00 / 0)

    discuss federal financial inequities

    quote book of Ruth - your people will be my people.



    Carolyne Volpe Curley

    Rev. Bruce Davidson (0.00 / 0)
    Many biblical prophets had more than 1 wife at a time.

    The biblical definition of marriage needs to be clarified.

    Lists many churches that agree with Marriage Equality

    Many different religious viewpoints, state can't accept just one viewpoint on the matter.

    Carolyne Volpe Curley

    LMFAO (4.00 / 1)
    When he talked about "Biblical" traditions of marriage. I don't know if I could have controlled myself in the hearing room!
    [ Parent ]
    Rev. Jeff Seigler (0.00 / 0)
    "as a clergy person it hurts" presiding over the union of a same-sex couple

    I become an accomplice to the injustice because marriages are denied.

    my heart aches for these families we've heard from today

    Carolyne Volpe Curley

    Reminds me of our minister... (4.00 / 1)
    ...who married us in New York. He had done many commitment ceremonies but was so happy to get to officiate a legal marriage.
    [ Parent ]
    Young people (4.00 / 1)
    Testimony of all the young people today - both pro-ME and con - from young child through college student, has been articulate.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    It's a pre-requisite Rosi... (0.00 / 0)
    ... for the kids to be articulate.   The adults?   Not so much.
    [ Parent ]
    Jessica Petro Cohen (0.00 / 0)
    16 year old wants her Moms to Marry.
    She adores them.
    I adore Jessica.


    Carolyne Volpe Curley
    That young little voice (0.00 / 0)
    "I love my moms and I think they should be able to get married."

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    That young little voice (0.00 / 0)
    "I love my moms and I think they should be able to get married."

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Jane Imler (0.00 / 0)

    Wife is a teacher, Insurance not covered when school couldn't prove civil union.

    No one else had to prove their marriages

    Carolyne Volpe Curley

    Rev. Craig Eisenberg (0.00 / 0)
    "I don't have the audacity to say I speak for God"
    God does not discriminate and neither should the state of NJ

    Carolyne Volpe Curley
    Unitarian Universalist minister (0.00 / 0)
    Craig Hirshfeld - as a minister I have counseled numerous couples gay and straight. Always ask: Why do you want to get married now? Inevitably they see it as the next step in their deep seated love. If you've ever been married or felt that, you know what I mean. I don't have the audacity to say I speak for God. But this gift ... is universal. When I counsel same-sex couples, I have to tell them the state doesn't sanction their union, that they may not be treated the same as marriage.  
    Rev. Craig Hirshfeld testifying pro-ME

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Rev. LL Dubarell (0.00 / 0)

    "Everyone's love is welcome before God in our sanctuary."

    The state requires me to not marry them legally

    "I need the state to get out of my sanctuary"

    "Let me just get back to marrying people in love."

    Carolyne Volpe Curley

    Heading into 6th hour of testimony (4.00 / 1)
    And I just heard Joey Novick's name called. On a personal level, since I love him, I can't wait to hear what he says about love itself, and the rights of all our couples to marry.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Wow, does he ... (0.00 / 0)
    ... turn on the "serious" for things like this?   Can I get video of that?
    [ Parent ]
    Wow, does he ... (0.00 / 0)
    ... turn on the "serious" for things like this?   Can I get video of that?
    [ Parent ]
    Yes (0.00 / 0)
    give me a few days and I'll post it on BJ

    Blog: http://www.deciminyan.org
    [ Parent ]
    Heading into 6th hour of testimony (0.00 / 0)
    And I just heard Joey Novick's name called. On a personal level, since I love him, I can't wait to hear what he says about love itself, and the rights of all our couples to marry.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Rev. Linda Holtzbar (0.00 / 0)

    Marries same-sex couples.
    When they ask me "This is the same as marriage isn't it?"
    I know it's not.  

    Carolyne Volpe Curley
    Joey Novick (0.00 / 0)
    Equality an easy concept to understand. Give one kid 2 pieces of candy, another 1, inequality is quickly understood by both kids.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Joey Novick (4.00 / 3)
    Equality an easy concept to understand. Give one kid 2 pieces of candy, another 1, inequality is quickly understood by both kids.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Yeah, Joey!! (0.00 / 0)

    [ Parent ]
    Joey (0.00 / 0)
    Libertarian or conservative may ask: How does granting same sex marriage serve the government?

    Better question, Joey says: How does limiting this liberty serve the government?

    (I think that's what he said - can I tell you, I went all a-twitter ...)

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    Tony Zimmer Pres League Women Voters (0.00 / 0)

    "We support the Marriage Equality Act."

    Carolyne Volpe Curley
    League of Women Voters (0.00 / 0)
    Speaking in support of Marriage Equality.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Joey Novick testifying (4.00 / 2)
    Cute, isn't he?

    Joey Novick testifies pro-ME

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    Ruth Larken (4.00 / 1)

    "What kind of stony hearted people are we?"

    As long as people who are gay are treated as second class citizens by our government, they'll be treated as second class in playgrounds all over NJ
    - if you think otherwise, you are kidding yourself

    If you vote against this bill, go to bed knowing kids all over this state are lying in their bed crying.
    Pushing off the vote to a political votes extends their pain.

    Religious persecution goes back 100s of years, but American history is about breaking traditions.

    Will some people have to get used to it? Sure
    They had to get used to seeing black people married to white people as well.

    Carolyne Volpe Curley

    Big thanks to CariAnnV (4.00 / 1)
    for all the help today live blogging and live-tweeting!

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    How do you do it???? (4.00 / 2)
    Impressed with all you do Rosi - thank you so much for your endless, untiring VOICE - Carolyne Volpe Curley

    Carolyne Volpe Curley
    [ Parent ]
    My name is (0.00 / 0)
    Mary Kate Simmons and I'm here because I believe in Love and that's all this bill is about. Some people are here because they say they believe in traditional marriage. I don't think so. A hundred years ago traditional marriage meant you could beat your wife.

    I think they mean they support the tradition of marriage. I (too) support the tradition of marriage. Wants to take her beloved to be her wife. Recites the vows she would like to say to marry her love.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    Alan Newner (0.00 / 0)
    Catholic, Republican, Gay

    Marriage equality is an issue of equal rites under NJ law.

    As a Republican I'm ashamed of my governor.

    Carolyne Volpe Curley

    John Keating (0.00 / 0)
    quotes teen suicide note:

    "My pain is not caused because I am gay

    My pain is because how I am treated because I am gay."

    Carolyne Volpe Curley

    Christian Exorcism Leads to Gay Teen's Suicide (0.00 / 0)
    http://www.patheos.com/blogs/c...

    Carolyne Volpe Curley
    VOTING NOW (0.00 / 0)
    I'll forgo writing what assembly judiciary members are saying, and give you the vote wrap up as soon as they all clock in.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Loretta Weinberg (0.00 / 0)
    back in hearing room

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Who is talking (0.00 / 0)
    Who is the woman talking who is going on for so long?  

    Carolyne Volpe Curley
    Holly Schepisi (0.00 / 0)
    Holly Schepisi - and she voted NO - she was already annoying me just by speaking.  Now I'll remember her name.

    Carolyne Volpe Curley
    [ Parent ]
    VOTE of ASSEMBLY JUDICIARY 5-2 (0.00 / 0)
    Votes as follows:
    Johnson: YES
    Gusciora: YES
    Caputo: YES
    Quijano: YES
    Carroll: NO
    Schepisi: NO
    Barnes: YES

    Note: Holly Schepisi was sworn in Jan. 10th. This is her first vote as an Assembly member.

    A-1 passes to full Assembly by vote of 5-2.


    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    Kudos to Rosi, Carol and others... (4.00 / 1)
    ...for providing succinct and frequent updates. Unlike last time, I couldn't get the audio feed to work so this was a lifeline. Even better, it made it easier to ignore the pointless testimony and focus on what mattered. Thanks!
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