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Article: N.J. Gov. Signs Gay Civil Unions Law
- Article from:
- AP Online
- Article date:
- December 21, 2006
CopyrightCopyright 2006 Associated Press/AP Online. This material is published under license from the publisher through YellowBrix, Alexandria, Virginia. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to YellowBrix. (Hide copyright information)
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TRENTON, N.J. - New Jersey's governor signed legislation Thursday giving gay couples all the rights and responsibilities of marriage allowed under state law - but not the title.
When the law goes into effect Feb. 19, New Jersey will become the third state offering civil unions to gay couples and the fifth allowing gay couples some version of marriage.
Connecticut and Vermont also offer civil unions for gay couples, while Massachusetts allows gay couples to marry, and California has domestic partnerships that bring full marriage rights under state law.
"We must recognize that many gay and lesbian couples in New Jersey are in committed relationships and deserve the same benefits and ...