New Jersey Passes Gay "Marriages" and Civil Unions

Last week in mid December of the year 2006, the state of New Jersey signed a historic bill which allowed for gay civil unions. While Governor John D. Cortizine wouldn't go so far as to call the civil unions "marriages", gay and lesbian couples are now allowed to have the same rights as heterosexuals in a relationship and partnership.

The signed bill was a great victory for gay activists but left some unsatisfied that the term "marriages" would not yet be accepted as a legal term for gay couples. Still, the state of New Jersey becomes only one of the few states to sign such an unprecedented bill that recognizes civil unions between gay and lesbian couples. The city of San Francisco seems to be leading the charge in fighting for gay and lesbian rights. The state of California is the leading state and does recognize gay marriages as official and having the same rights and status under the law as heterosexual couples.

It is interesting to note that the issue of same sex marriages has only come on a state level and not a national level. No amendment has been added to the Constitution about same sex marriages or civil unions and no bill has been signed by any president for or against gay marriages. President Bush has openly stated that he will not sign any bill allowing for gay marriages. Part of this reason has to do with his right wing Christian base that strongly opposes same sex marriages because they feel it violates the Bible and teachings of God that insist of pro creation and forbids same sex marriages.

The state of New York which I live in has yet sign such a bill recognizing full rights for civil unions. Although New York has maintained a position that gays and lesbians cannot be discriminated against.

The fight among gay and lesbian activists has come very far with talk show hosts such as Rosie O'Donnell publicly admitting that they are lesbian or gay. At one point in this countries history that was frowned upon and would never be admitted in public. Now, people are much more open with their sexuality in society and feel they have nothing to hide. Other people in certain professions such as sports like football feel that gay athletes are afraid to admit to their teammates and the public that they are gay because they believe to a certain extent, that they will be treated differently by their teammates.

The bill passed by New Jersey will also signify a new trend of civil marriage and gay union bills being passed. These bills will start mostly in the liberal Northeast such as in Massachusetts which has already been working on such as bill New York will also quickly pass a gay civil union or marriage bill in the coming years. In the South, such a bill might not happen for at least another 20 years in some states.