THE MESSAGE
Falling Short of Equality
Rather than ending marriage discrimination outright, the only way to provide equality, an increasing number of states are creating a parallel mechanism either with civil unions or domestic partnership.
New Hampshire just joined this group of states last week with Governor Lynch signing a civil unions bill.
- While civil unions do provide same-sex couples with important responsibilities and protections previously withheld, we are constantly witnessing the shortcomings of this separate and unequal institution.
Throughout today’s message, you will find information about why civil unions are not equal to marriage and, while they can be a step in the right direction, how they are failing to protect same-sex couples and their families.
The Report
Civil Unions are Not Equal to Marriage (Love Makes a Family) |
The Resource Key Resources--Marriage VS. Civil Union/Domestic Partnership/Reciprocal Benefits (Freedom to Marry) |
The Number
1 in 8, NJ couples with a civil union license who have been denied benefits by employers, insurers and financial institutions. |
The Map
Broad Family Measures Short of Marriage in the United States June 2007 |
THE SPOTLIGHT: New Jersey
“Civil unions don’t work!” This has been the prevailing reality and message in New Jersey during the first 100 days since their civil union law took effect. Garden State Equality has led the charge, with allies around the state, in particular Blue Jersey and New Jersey for Democracy, in collecting data on the failures of the new law and have received 114 reports of injustice, an over 13% failure rate for civil unions (as of May 29th, 852 civil unions had taken place in New Jersey).
Showing legislators the newly signed law is failing to provide equality has had a huge impact. “This year, we’ve gone from 6 to 40 supporters of marriage equality in the legislature, we expect half (60) by the end of the year, and plan to pass a true marriage equality bill in 2008,” said Steven Goldstein, executive director of Garden State Equality.
THE NEWS
For the latest news, opinions, and polls, including these articles, check out our website.
National
Opponents of Marriage Equality featured in 'Freedom to Marry' AdMiami Herald; June 2, 2007
A coalition of groups that back gay marriage launched an ad campaign featuring Florida's former Gov. Jeb Bush and Sen. Mel Martinez.
Celebrating Recent LGBT Legislative Advances
Lambda Legal; May 30, 2007
Over the last several weeks, the nation has seen remarkable legislative advances in support of the rights of lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals, both with regard to protections for those in same-sex relationships and
prohibitions against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Regional
Fairer in New HampshireHartford Courant; June 1, 2007
The Hartford Courant editorial staff calls the signing of New Hampshire's civil unions law "progress," but says both New Hampshire and Connecticut should have embraced same-sex marriage.
Not Marriage, Not Fair
The Bergen Record; May 30, 2007
One Hundred days ago, the state's high court ruled that legislators had to give same-sex couples the same rights and
benefits as married couples. The Legislature called its solution civil unions. Same-sex couples call it a failure.
