TRENTON – Senator John H. Adler, D-Cherry Hill, made the following statement today following the final passage of bill S-2083, which would give domestic partners funeral and inheritence rights, and S-2167, which would permit public entities that do not participate in the State Health Benefits Plan to offer health benefits to the domestic partners of employees:
“New Jersey has been at the forefront when it comes to recognizing and protecting the rights of families. Today we continue that work by expanding the rights provided by domestic partnerships.
“New Jersey is a wonderfully diverse state. We recognize the evolving notions of what constitutes a family. We must make sure that all families have the right to care for one another in sickness and in health, and when needed, grieve for one another.
“It is our hope that ever government entity in New Jersey will offer their gay and lesbian employees the same family benefits provided to all other employees. The State should be a model of equality in providing benefits for our workers.”