McGreevey's successor Senate Majority Leader Richard J. Codey (D) Essex:
To the cheers of gay and lesbian couples gathered in the Statehouse, the Senate yesterday passed a landmark bill that would offer financial and legal benefits for same-sex partners.
The bill now goes to Gov. McGreevey, who said he would sign it into law. The Assembly narrowly passed it last month. Yesterday's vote was 23-9, with eight senators recorded as not voting.
"The time has finally come when we can guarantee individuals who have entered into an enduring, committed relationship the basic civil rights they deserve," McGreevey said.
"It's an incredibly historic day," said Steven Goldstein, New Jersey representative for Lambda Legal, which is fighting in court for a right to gay marriage.
"There's still another step to go. We still want full marriage rights," he said. "But this is an incredible step."
Goldstein, who watched from the Senate gallery with dozens of other supporters, called the occasion "the coming of age of the gay community" in New Jersey.
The legislation would provide for hospital-visitation and decision-making rights, an inheritance-tax exemption, and a state income-tax deduction for dependents.
It also would provide partners of state employees with health insurance and pension coverage, and outlaw discrimination against domestic partners.
"It's the right thing to do, and I think a majority of New Jersey residents agree with it," said Senate Copresident Richard J. Codey (D., Essex), who pushed for the legislation.
The bill also calls for the same benefits to be offered to unmarried opposite-sex couples 62 and older. Supporters have said some older couples want domestic-partner benefits but do not want to marry because of potential penalties on pensions and other financial interests.
National Constitution Center http://www.trentonrevolution.com --- MCGREEVEY + CODEY CONFLICT OF INTEREST