Statements on Civil Unions Commission Report

by: Hopeful

Wed Dec 10, 2008 at 12:38:23 PM EST

"As I have said many times before, same-sex marriage in New Jersey is only a matter of 'when,' not 'if.'

"The Commission's report should spark a renewed sense of purpose and urgency to overcoming one of society's last remaining barriers to full equality for all residents."

Senate President Codey's statement is positive but lacks the urgency:

"As I have said before, the history of civil rights progress - whether it's the rights of women, minorities or same-sex couples - is one that is typically achieved in incremental steps. I believe that society's view of this issue is coming around in favor of same-sex marriage and this report, underscoring the many inequalities that still exist, will further advance that belief."

Assemblyman John F. McKeon (D-Essex) gets right to the point, calling specifically for New Jersey to become the first state to legislatively legalize same-sex marriage:

"While the civil union measure was an important step in advancing individual liberty, today's report underscores how a vast number of same-sex couples believe it renders them 'separate but not equal.'  It's time for New Jersey to complete the journey toward equality by providing all committed couples the same basic right to marry."