NJ: Committee approves bill on legal benefits to same-sex couples

[Jerseycoa]

AP/Newsflash

Legislation that would provide same-sex partners with many of the same legal benefits enjoyed by married couples was approved by an Assembly panel Thursday.

Under the legislation, domestic partners would get access to medical benefits, insurance and other legal rights. The bill does not authorize gay marriage, which is against the law in New Jersey.

"We are not inventing domestic partnership," said committee chairwoman Loretta Weinberg, who sponsored the bill. "We are merely acknowledging what goes on in society and providing equal coverage under the law."

All but one member of the health committee voted in favor of the bill. Assemblyman Sean Kean, R-Monmouth, abstained from the vote. The Assembly is scheduled to vote on the legislation Monday.

:dem:

[pinto]

1. one state at a time....n/t

[Cornus]

2. Right On NJ

My home state. Perhaps now my partner and I may get *equal rights*.

Don't have to call it marriage...just so there is equality.

[Democrats unite]

3. I got baited earilear today on one of these posts

Even got a nasty gram from a moderator (was my fault though, I was defending my gay honor), hopefully this thread will not go that route.

[CO Liberal]

4. It's a First Step That is Long Overdue

My first wife (Michelle) came out several years after we were divorced. She and her partner Mary were joined in a union ceremony at the Unitarian Church in Summit, NJ in 1992.

When Michelle died of kidney failure in 1998, Mary couldn't even get berevement time off from work - she was allowed a couple of hours to attend Michelle's memorial service, but that was it. My kids had to handle all teh arrangements. And even though as far as I was concerned Mary was widowed, she had no legal standing whatsoever.

Hurray for NJ!!!! Welcome to the 21st Century!!!!