... and Then New Jersey
With Governor Jon Corzine's signing of New Jersey's Civil Union bill today, New Jersey becomes the third state to offer civil unions for homosexual couples (after Vermont and Connecticut) and the fifth state overall to provide homosexual couples some form of legal recognition (California has a "domestic partnerships" law, and Massachusetts allows marriage between same-sex couples).
"We must recognize that many gay and lesbian couples in New Jersey are in committed relationships and deserve the same benefits and rights as every other family in this state," Gov. Jon S. Corzine said in signing the legislation.
While five states might not seem like much, a quick glance at the U.S. Census figures from 2000 shows that these five states represent 18.7% (roughly 1/5) of the U.S. population.
"We must recognize that many gay and lesbian couples in New Jersey are in committed relationships and deserve the same benefits and rights as every other family in this state," Gov. Jon S. Corzine said in signing the legislation.
While five states might not seem like much, a quick glance at the U.S. Census figures from 2000 shows that these five states represent 18.7% (roughly 1/5) of the U.S. population.
Labels: Human Rights
