New Jersey Civil Union Watch

Background

In October 2006, the New Jersey Supreme Court unanimously found that same-sex couples in New Jersey must have equal protection under the law and be granted the rights and responsibilities of marriage. The court gave the legislature the opportunity to fix the inequality with, at the very least, civil unions. The legislature chose the very least, leaving the important word marriage reserved for same-sex couples.

Call to Action

Have you or anyone you know experienced discrimination because of your civil union? If so, contact Lambda Legal’s Help Desk at 212-809-8585, toll-free at 866-542-8336 or legalhelpdesk@lambdalegal.org.

Goal

Lambda Legal wants to hear from you. Join our “Civil Union Watch,” an advocacy and monitoring program, to ensure that same-sex couples in New Jersey are treated fairly under the new law.

As part of “Civil Union Watch” Lambda Legal will:

  • Advocate for the proper interpretation and application of the new law.
  • Bring appropriate legal action when couples’ civil unions are not respected.

For more information download Lambda Legal’s FAQ about New Jersey’s new civil union law about what same-sex couples need to know.