Sunday, October 20, 2002
New Jersey bill addresses legal benefits to domestic partners
A story published today by the New Jersey Star-Ledger reports that the battle over legal benefits for unmarried couples is about to hit New Jersey.
A bill expected to be introduced this month would make New Jersey the third state in the nation to allow the benefits of marriage to partners living together.
The bill stops short of recognizing same-sex marriages, but it would sanction virtually all of the legal benefits that marriage allows.
Similar to the proposed federal Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligation Act, the state bill would allow unmarried persons to sign a certificate affirming they are in a committed, intimate relationship with a domestic partner.
That would provide the same benefits available to legal spouses when it comes to inheritance, health and life insurance, pensions and medical decision-making, according to Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen), the bill's sponsor.
Gov. James E. McGreevey is expected to back the bill.
Introduction of the same-sex benefit legislation in New Jersey is likely to make the state a key battleground for gay rights because it is also where seven same-sex couples have filed suit -- in Hudson County Superior Court -- seeking recognition of same-sex marriages.
Weinberg said other Democratic lawmakers are interested in co-sponsoring her bill, including Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Mercer).
"This legislation recognizes there are a number of committed relationships outside traditional marriage," said Coleman. "I believe they should have health benefits and be able to participate in making medical decision. There is a fairness issue."
While the measure is primarily to help same-sex couples, Coleman said it would be extended to other relationships as well.
It has yet to be seen how much resistance it will meet from Republicans.
Sen. Diane Allen (R-Burlington) said she was approached about this sort of legislation, in part because it would apply to all unmarried couples, not just same-sex couples.
"A group of retirees asked if I would look into this kind of thing. They could greatly win with this kind of legislation," said Allen.
She said she has started looking at the issue but does not know whether she would support such legislation.
"I have to determine whether it fits into the values of the people of the state," Allen said.
