McGreevey Signs "Same Sex Couples" Bill

[foreigncorrespondent]

(1010 WINS) TRENTON, N.J. Legislation that would grant new financial benefits and legal rights for same-sex couples is already having an effect, even before the measure has become law.

Gay rights advocates predict more gay couples will move to New Jersey, which stands to become the fifth state in the nation to provide legal recognition of same-sex partnerships.

``You're going to see a real influx of gay Philadelphia into South Jersey,'' Steven Goldstein, 41, a Brooklyn, N.Y., resident who help lead lobbying efforts for the legislation, told The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Rita Addessa, executive director of the Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Lesbian and Gay Task Force, concurred.

More... http://1010wins.com/topstories/winstopstories_story_012070927.html

[WillParkinson]

1. NEW JERSEY?

Sigh. They're more progressive than Wisconsin. That sucks.

[David__77]

3. Democrats control the NJ legislature...

If Democrats did that in WI, it'd be different. On gay rights issues though, NJ is clearly in a better position.

[arwalden]

2. This Is Splendid News

How will all this fit in with Bush and his "respect" for state's rights (when it comes to things like the confederate battle flag issues) but when it comes to queers gaining EQUAL status... they'll be in a quandary over what to do about it.

-- Allen

[foreigncorrespondent]

5. Allen, I was thinking the same...

...thing when I was posting it, and then I found this little doozie to top of my night before going to bed.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=1009729

The wanker-in-chief won't like this one little bit.

I am gonna have happy dreams tonight. :)

[murielm99]

4. This is great news!

My daughter hopes to work in New York City. New Jersey is not that far. She and her partner could live there, and have a house. They could work in the city. I have to tell her right away.

Maybe we are growing up as a country, after all.

I wonder, though...where does that Constitutional amendment against gay marriage stand, currently. My stupid state rep. is one of the sponsors. We really have to gear up the grassroots to see that it does not get off the ground.

[foreigncorrespondent]

6. I can't remember...

...how many signatures are on both amendments, but if you read my post #5 follow the link, the article is about a conservative backlash to the amendments. :)

[loudnclear]

7. This issue will become an issue of pure economics and the so-called

"evangelical, conservative, christian right will be caving all over the country. They love the dollar much more than they love their religion.

[wt312000]

8. Same Sex unions make sense, but will kill us in '04

Bravo for the governor. Unfortunately, we are ignoring the fact that the same-sex union issue will cost us every single southern state in '04, and perhaps more than that if Dean wins the nomination. Why do you think the Cons are going to keep this issue in front of everyone?

[Stuckinthebush]

9. Sometimes you just have to do the right thing

We'll survive.

[noonwitch]

10. I'm not so sure it will hurt us that badly

It's not like we're expecting to win a lot of those states, esp. Texas, Mississippi, etc. And, what you said, it's the right thing to do, even if it's not the most popular in all places.

[David__77]

14. Not everywhere...

That's an over-broad characterization. Among some constituencies--the young especially--if the GOP overplays their hand it could have adverse effects both now and especially in the future. If they stray from their false "inclusive" message, they'll pay for it. They can't be "cool" and too anti-gay. We have certain cultural strengths right now that are trending favorably.

[Sapphocrat]

11. Go, Joisey!!

I forgive you all for your horrible driving now! :D

[yellowcanine]

12. Let the RW "Christian" demagoguery begin!

Nothing like "defending the sanctity of marriage" to stir up the troops!

[crissy71]

13. why does new jersey hate america

just kidding :evilgrin: way to go mcgreeve!

[Hobarticus]

15. Courage!

By God, it does exist. Way to go, McGreevey!