New Jersey's
Same-Sex "Marriage" Legislation


There were 2 pairs of Legislation in New Jersey dealing with the definition of Marriage in the 213th (2009) Legislative Session:
1) A Proposed Amendment to the Constitution (ACR120, SCR30) defining marriage as a union by one man and one woman which needs to be forwarded through the Legislative Houses and voted on by the people as a Public Question. This bill never left the Legislative Judiciary Committees (see below)
2) The "Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage Act" (A2978, S1967) eliminating the terms ‘man,’ ‘woman,’ ‘husband’ or ‘wife’ as these occurs in the context of marriage and substituting 'union of two persons'. When same-sex marriage supporter, Governor Jon Corzine, was defeated in the November 2009 election, the sponsors of these bills feared their bills would be vetoed by incoming Governor Chis Christie. The sponsors forced the issue during the lame-duck session of the Legislature ultimately forcing the bill to the Senate floor where it was defeated 20-14 on January 7, 2010. (details)


Proposed Amendment to the Constitution providing that:
"Only the union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in the State of New Jersey"
This amendment is not intended to affect any equal benefits or domestic partnership rights provided by law. 

Below are the sponsors of the Resolutions with links to their web pages and contacts

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 120 (ACR120)
213th Legislature
Senate Concurrent Resolution 30 (SCR30)
213th Legislature

Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose, District 24 (R-Sussex)
Assemblyman Michael J. Doherty, District 23 (R-Warren)

Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblyman Gary R. Chiusano, District 24 (R-Sussex)
Assemblyman Jay Webber, District 26 (R-Passaic)

Sponsored by:
Senator Gerald Cardinale, District 39 (R-Bergen)
Senator Steven V. Oroho, District 24 (R-Sussex)


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