Garden State Equality, et al. v. Dow, et al.
After nearly a decade fighting for marriage equality in New Jersey, Lambda Legal is back in court representing seven same-sex couples and their children harmed from the unequal civil union system, and Garden State Equality, New Jersey’s statewide LGBT advocacy organization.
The case combines both state and federal claims. It argues that the civil union law violates both the New Jersey Constitution and the Fourteenth Amendment of the federal Constitution.
Civil unions place same-sex couples and their children in an inferior status to different-sex couples and their children. Without full marriage equality, same-sex couples are denied workplace benefits and protections equal to those accorded to married people, and they are blocked from seeing their loved ones during medical emergencies. This exclusion deprives them of certainty in their legal rights and status, and often increases financial burdens.
Learn more about Lambda Legal's work to win marriage in New Jersey.
History
- June 2011 Lambda Legal files suit in New Jersey Superior Court.
- November 2011 Lambda Legal defeats defendants' attempt to dismiss the case. Judge rules from the bench that our plaintiffs may proceed.
- February 2012 Court reinstates federal equal protection claim.
