TRENTON – Senator Nia H. Gill (D-Essex/Passaic) issued the following statement on today’s decision by the New Jersey Supreme Court to deny the state’s request to prevent same-sex couples from marrying on Monday, Oct. 21:
“The Court’s unanimous ruling is testament as to why Marriage Equality is a civil right. As the decision said, civil union partners do not receive the same benefits as married same-sex couples.
“The court’s strong ruling makes certain that on Monday, same-sex couples will finally be granted equal protection and equal rights under the law. They will now have protections when it comes to health matters, to insurance coverage and legal issues – and most importantly they will be granted the dignity of marrying the person they love.
“I look forward to celebrations taking place across our state on Monday and to those who are already partners in life at long last getting the chance to say ‘I do.’”