NJ Gov. Corzine Holds Off on Marriage for Gay and Lesbian Couples

New Jersey’s civil union law is making headlines as a result of a report released Tuesday by a 12-member commission looking into complaints that New Jersey’s civil union law creates “second-class citizenship.” The commission, composed of government, community and faith leaders, agrees with the findings of the report.  

In response to the commission’s findings, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine has signaled a willingness to sign a bill opening up marriage to gay and lesbian couples, but has said that he will not do so in an election year.  After Mayor Gavin Newsom made marriage a reality in San Francisco in 2004, national Democrats worried about going out on a limb on an issue that could be seen as controversial.  Corzine is suggesting that 2009 is a better time for the legislature to take up action on a marriage equality bill.

Since the law took effect, over 2,300 couples in New Jersey have entered into civil unions, but 568 couples have come forward to file complaints about problematic situations that have arisen from the law as it is currently structured.

Despite New Jersey’s commitment to equality, Gov. Corzine’s unwillingness to address the issue during such an important election year should raise concerns for lesbian and gay advocates, especially in contrast to the fair media coverage of the commission’s report.

Paul Karr is the Director of Media Field Strategy