Says Court Within Bounds to Establish Record, Urges Expedited Proceedings
TRENTON – State Senator Raymond J. Lesniak, D-Union, one of the prime sponsors of the “Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage Act” which was considered during the last legislative session in the State Senate, issued the following statement today regarding the Supreme Court’s decision not to hear the case for marriage equality until after it had established a trial record in New Jersey’s lower courts:
“I know that many supporters of marriage equality are disappointed today that the Supreme Court has chosen not to consider their lawsuit until after the case has established a trial record in the State’s lower courts. To me, it’s only delaying the inevitable realization that all couples – heterosexual or same-sex – deserve the same rights of marriage.
“It’s understandable the court would want to establish a trial record to give this civil rights issue the full vetting it deserves. I’m confident that a full vetting of the issues serves to benefit and strengthen our cause for full marriage equality. But justice delayed is justice denied so I ask New Jersey’s judiciary to expedite the proceedings. Many people have waited a long time to enjoy their civil right to marry. While careful deliberation is warranted, so is an expedited proceedings .
“There will soon come a day when marriage will be recognized as the legal union between two loving, committed adults, regardless of their sexual preference. Today’s Supreme Court ruling is just another step on the road to marriage equality.”