Same-Sex Marriage Might Be Legalized in New Jersey; Couples Could Get Married Starting Oct. 21
According to a court ruling on Sept. 27, same-sex marriage has been declared legal in the state of New Jersey.
If a higher court doesn't overturn the decision, couples can get married beginning Oct. 21.
Mary C. Jacobson of State Superior Court, ruled that the state of New Jersey must allow same-sex marriage in accordance with the recent supreme court ruling that did away with the Federal Defense of Marriage act.
"The ineligibility of same-sex couples for federal benefits is currently harming same-sex couples in New jersey in a wide range of contexts," Jacobson wrote in the ruling.
"Same-sex couples must be allowed to marry in order to obtain equal protection of the law under the New Jersey Constitution," she added.
The New York Times suspects that the decision might be challenged by Gov. Chris Christie, who has publicly opposed gay marriage. Some New Jersey officials are also expected to appeal the decision.
Garden State of Equality, a gay rights advocacy group, reported Jacobson's opinion that marriage licenses for same-sex couples would be available from next month.
In a statement, Troy Stevenson, the executive director of the group said, "We have been saying it for months and it stands true today: through litigation or legislation, we will win the dignity of marriage this year. We just won the first round through litigation and we will continue to fight until we guarantee marriage for all New Jersey couples."
This is the first time a court has taken down a state ban on same-sex marriage as a result of the Supreme Court's ruling.
