Gay unions pass

last updated 8 January 2015

Trenton, N.J.

New Jersey last week became the third state in the country to recognize civil unions for homosexuals. The legislature acted after New Jersey’s highest court ruled in October that gay couples are entitled to equal rights under the state’s constitution. The civil-union measure angered advocates on both sides. Conservative activist Len Deo said the legislature doesn’t “have a right to redefine an institution that’s served us well for 2,000 years.” But gay-rights leader David Buckel said the new law perpetuates gays’ “second-class status” and said gays would continue to demand “full marriage rights.” Connecticut and Vermont have also recognized civil unions for gays, while only Massachusetts allows gay marriage.