New Jersey lawmakers are considering a proposal that might satisfy the state Supreme Court’s demand for same-sex marriage or its equivalent, as well as pro-family efforts to protect marriage from redefinition.
An equal-benefits bill would grant any two people in the same household access to benefits and rights similar to those of marriage – but would be blind to the relationship of the people involved.
Under the Equal Benefits Act, people would have an easier time dealing with pensions, property transfers and hospital visits – rights generally already available through legal contracts. Len Deo, president of the New Jersey Family Policy Council, told Family News in Focus the key is it does not create special rights based on homosexuality.
"This bill takes away the issue of sexual behavior," he said, "and just looks at people getting rights."
But Steven Goldstein, chairman of Garden State Equality, said nothing short of redefining marriage would satisfy his group.
"Without the label 'marriage,' the real world will not consistently recognize our relationships," he said. "Marriage is not so much an institution as it is whatever the two people in the marriage make of it."
While the benefits plan is not seen as a perfect solution by either side, Glen Lavy, an attorney with the Alliance Defense Fund, said given the court’s restrictions, it’s the best that can be done.
"This equal-benefits contract proposal is the best way to satisfy the requirements of the New Jersey Supreme Court," he said, "while at the same time limiting the harm to marriage."
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Visit the New Jersey Family Policy Council Web site.
