State of New Jersey secondary Archives: on Civil Rights
Barbara Buono:
Replace civil unions with same-sex marriage
Excerpts from legislation: The "Marriage Equality and Religious Exemption Act" would recognize same-sex marriage. Same-sex civil unions would no longer be permitted, and all previously sanctioned civil unions would be deemed to be
marriages. Religious organizations are not required to solemnize or provide goods or services for any marriage in violation of their religious beliefs.Excerpts from veto message: Neither the US Constitution nor the NJ State Constitution
contain a right to same-sex marriage. In 2006, the NJ Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples must be afforded the same rights and benefits as their heterosexual counterparts. Civil unions grant all the same rights and benefits. I encourage that the
Legislature trust the people of NJ to vote on the question of same-sex marriage, and then amend the State Constitution.
Legislative outcome: Buono voted YEA; bill passed House 42-33-4; bill passed Senate 24-16-0; Governor vetoed.
Source: New Jersey legislative voting records: S1&A1
Feb 13, 2012
Bob Hugin:
Supports gay marriage
Q: Support gay marriage?Robert Hugin (R): Yes.
Robert Menendez (D): Yes.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on New Jersey Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Bob Hugin:
Regrets ban on women at 1970s Princeton eating clubs
When Hugin was a student at Princeton in the 1970s, he fought against efforts to allow women into all-male eating clubs, as president of one such club, the Tiger Inn.Sally Frank was denied access and, in 1979, sued for women to be able to join. Even
though the clubs eventually opened up to women, the case kept going until 1992 when two clubs, including the Tiger Inn, paid legal fees to the group representing Frank. Hugin, who was in his late 30s at that time, called Frank's efforts "politically
correct fascism."
Hugin expressed regret for opposing those efforts and his comments from 1992. "If I could go back in time, I would not use those words," Hugin said. "It was a mistake and I take responsibility for that. Everyone evolves over time."
"The Tiger Inn becoming co-ed was a very positive development," Hugin said. "The decision to admit women back in the early '90s was without question the right thing to do. Personally, I wish I had taken a leadership role in making it happen sooner."
Source: The Hill coverage of 2018 New Jersey Senate race
Jul 20, 2018
Bob Hugin:
My kids taught me to be more tolerant of gays than in 1970s
Bob Menendez's campaign sent around a 1976 article published in the Central Jersey Home News where Bob Hugin, a senior at Princeton at the time, said that if a student was found to be gay, "he wouldn't last long." The decades-old story reported that
Hugin led a campus petition to fight back against the university from broadening its anti-discrimination policy to include gay and lesbian students. He also called for a student referendum, arguing that "students as a whole should have a say on
something so controversial as this."Hugin said that he's evolved on this issue, largely citing his children's "insight on the issues of equality and fairness."
"I'm proud to say that my views are a lot different than they were
40 years ago," Hugin said. "Personal growth should be seen as a strength, and more elected officials should embrace and be open to discussing it in their public lives."
Source: The Hill coverage of 2018 New Jersey Senate race
Jul 20, 2018
Bonnie Watson Coleman:
Pay disparity has a significant impact on low-income women
Women are a key component in reviving the American economy. When women succeed, America succeeds. Despite this fact, women are paid $.77 to every dollar earned by men regardless of job choice. Pay disparity has a significant impact on women with
low incomes and single mothers. It impairs their ability to repay student loans and results in lower pensions, ultimately making retirement more difficult. Coleman affirms the rights of all workers to equitable wages. She sponsored the Unfair Wage
Recovery Act. Modeled after the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the Unfair Wage Recovery Act would have restarted the clock to file suit under the statute of limitations each time compensation is paid to a woman in furtherance of a discriminatory decision
or practice. Coleman also supported the Wage Transparency Act, which would have provided women with a tool to help uncover pay disparity. In Congress, Coleman will continue to fight for women to be paid equal wages for equal work.
Source: 2014 New Jersey House campaign website BonnieForCongress.com
Oct 10, 2014
Bonnie Watson Coleman:
Speak for LGBT rights regardless of the external pressures
As the wife of a Baptist minister and a Deaconess at her African American church, Bonnie Watson Coleman stood up and spoke for LGBT rights regardless of the external pressures. Bonnie spoke fiercely on the New Jersey Assembly Chamber in
favor of granting marriage equality for all New Jersey couples. Her voting record shows that she has always voted in favor of any legislation that allows for equality of all Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Source: 2014 New Jersey House campaign website BonnieForCongress.com
Oct 10, 2014
Chris Christie:
No same-sex marriage; civil unions are adequate
Excerpts from legislation: The "Marriage Equality and Religious Exemption Act" would recognize same-sex marriage. Same-sex civil unions would no longer be permitted, and all previously sanctioned civil unions would be deemed to be
marriages. Religious organizations are not required to solemnize or provide goods or services for any marriage in violation of their religious beliefs.Excerpts from veto message: Neither the US Constitution nor the NJ State Constitution
contain a right to same-sex marriage. In 2006, the NJ Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples must be afforded the same rights and benefits as their heterosexual counterparts. Civil unions grant all the same rights and benefits. I encourage that the
Legislature trust the people of NJ to vote on the question of same-sex marriage, and then amend the State Constitution.
Legislative outcome: Bill passed House 42-33-4; bill passed Senate 24-16-0; Governor vetoed & no override attempted.
Source: New Jersey legislative voting records: S1&A1
Feb 21, 2012
Cory Booker:
MLK's dream still demands work to do, after 50 years
Q: Here's what you said at the Martin Luther King ceremony:(VIDEO) BOOKER: The truth of the matter is that the dream still demands that the moral conscience of our country still calls us, that hope still needs heroes. We need to understand that there
is still work to do.
Q: What is the legacy of the "I Have a Dream" speech? There's only one other African American US Senator; one African American Governor; one African American president. Progress, but still uneven when it comes to elected office.
Is that how Dr. King saw the dream playing out 50 years later?
BOOKER: Well, I think that these positions are important. But I think the matter in what drove the march, was not simply propelling people to elected office, it was dealing with the larger
issues of inequality. Not only racial inequality, but frankly the challenge we faced then in our nations till now and the dramatic differences between rich and poor and the challenges we have and had then in America and we still have now with poverty.
Source: Meet the Press 2013 on 2014 New Jersey Senate race
Aug 25, 2013
Donny DiFrancesco:
Intolerance for racial profiling
Investing in diversity means erasing the intolerance and insecurity that undermine our ability to thrive as a community. New Jersey has always been a leader in pursuing and advancing the rights of all individuals.We must call on that tradition as we
face the ugly truth of racial profiling. This unjustified and unjustifiable practice has divided this state and has hurt the reputation of New Jersey’s upstanding law enforcement officers. I look forward to receiving recommendations from Senator
Gormley’s committee that will signal not just an intolerance for profiling, but will finally result in a termination of this practice.
Our commitment to end racial profiling is unwavering. Just as strong is our commitment to stand behind the
members of law enforcement who deserve our support because they’ve earned it. Let’s not allow the sins of a few to undermine the courageous achievements of the many.
Source: Address To The People of New Jersey as Acting Governor
Feb 5, 2001
Hirsh Singh:
People free to be themselves; don't force it upon us
Should a woman's safety or struggle for equality end just because a man decides he is also a woman? Well, neither do I. People should have the freedom and liberty to be themselves, as long as they don't force it upon us or harm others. Question:
Why does Senator Booker believe that only a woman can discriminate against a man if she tells him "no"? Can a man somehow not be discriminating against a woman when he forces himself into her private life?
Source: 2020 New Jersey Senate campaign website HirshSingh.com
Jun 11, 2020
Jack Ciattarelli:
No same-sex marriage; civil unions are adequate
Excerpts from legislation: The "Marriage Equality and Religious Exemption Act" would recognize same-sex marriage. Same-sex civil unions would no longer be permitted, and all previously sanctioned civil unions would be deemed to be
marriages. Religious organizations are not required to solemnize or provide goods or services for any marriage in violation of their religious beliefs.Excerpts from veto message: Neither the US Constitution nor the NJ State Constitution
contain a right to same-sex marriage. In 2006, the NJ Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples must be afforded the same rights and benefits as their heterosexual counterparts. Civil unions grant all the same rights and benefits. I encourage that the
Legislature trust the people of NJ to vote on the question of same-sex marriage, and then amend the State Constitution.
Legislative outcome: Ciattarelli voted NAY; bill passed House 42-33-4; bill passed Senate 24-16-0; Governor vetoed.
Source: New Jersey legislative voting records: S1&A1
Feb 16, 2012
Jack Ciattarelli:
Prohibits discrimination & harassment among campaign
Ciattarelli will announce a campaign policy prohibiting discrimination, harassment, and retaliation to be overseen by former-State Senator Diane Allen (R-7). "Putting this policy in place was a no-brainer and appointing Senator Allen as the
compliance officer underscores the level of seriousness with which I am treating this," said Ciattarelli. "I am committed to running a professional operation--and government--in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity."
Source: InsiderNJ.com on 2021 New Jersey gubernatorial race
Feb 12, 2020
Jeff Bell:
Government shouldn't redefine marriage
Question topic: Marriage is a union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Bell: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 New Jersey Senate race
Sep 30, 2014
Jim McGreevey:
End racial profiling
- Recognize and respect New Jersey's diversity as a strength.
- Commit to ending racial profiling
Source: Workprint for New Jersey
Jun 25, 2001
John Wisniewski:
No same-sex marriage; civil unions are adequate
Excerpts from legislation: The "Marriage Equality and Religious Exemption Act" would recognize same-sex marriage. Same-sex civil unions would no longer be permitted, and all previously sanctioned civil unions would be deemed to be
marriages. Religious organizations are not required to solemnize or provide goods or services for any marriage in violation of their religious beliefs.Excerpts from veto message: Neither the US Constitution nor the NJ State Constitution
contain a right to same-sex marriage. In 2006, the NJ Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples must be afforded the same rights and benefits as their heterosexual counterparts. Civil unions grant all the same rights and benefits. I encourage that the
Legislature trust the people of NJ to vote on the question of same-sex marriage, and then amend the State Constitution.
Legislative outcome: Wisniewski voted YEA; bill passed House 42-33-4; bill passed Senate 24-16-0; Governor vetoed.
Source: New Jersey legislative voting records: S1&A1
Feb 16, 2012
Josh Gottheimer:
Treat everyone equally whatever their sexual orientation
As I learned growing up, we were all created in the image of God. I believe that everyone should be treated equally no matter what their background, race, sexual orientation, or station in life.
We will only succeed as a nation if everyone is included and treated with respect and dignity. It's what built America and allowed our economy and culture to flourish.
Source: 2016 New Jersey House campaign website josh4congress.com
Nov 8, 2016
Kim Guadagno:
Won't criticize Republican with Confederate flag
New Jersey Republicans are being asked, amid suggestions of racism, to answer for a colleague photographed in front of a Confederate flag. The state's top two Republicans, Gov. Chris Christie and Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno,
have refused to explicitly admonish him. Murphy, the Democratic nominee for governor, said that Guadagno, his opponent, "failed" the test to lead New Jersey after equivocating in her response to the photo.
Source: Bergen Record on 2017 New Jersey governor race
Aug 30, 2017
Kim Guadagno:
Comfortable with LGBT but won't criticize ban
Guadagno said she had come [Pride event] to show that the "Republican Party has a huge tent and there's plenty of room for everybody." She was less vocal about excluding future transgender soldiers, and potentially excluding lesbians, gays and
bisexuals. "My son is in the military, he's in the Air Force, and he really doesn't care what is under the uniform," Guadagno said. "So the president, if you want to talk about his policies, you are going to have to ask him."
Source: Bergen Record on 2017 New Jersey governor race
Aug 26, 2017
Murray Sabrin:
Government shouldn't redefine marriage
Question topic: Marriage is a union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Sabrin: Strongly Agree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 New Jersey Senate race
Jul 2, 2014
Phil Murphy:
Strong advocate for equal treatment of LGBTQ community
Phil Murphy is a strong and consistent advocate for the equal treatment of the LGBTQ community. As a truly inclusive governor, Phil will expand and enforce anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ individuals.
He will ensure that all residents have equal access to health care, including fertility treatment, regardless of sexual orientation. And he will eliminate once and for all the archaic and discriminatory laws that subject
LGBTQ residents to second class status--including laws that prevent transgender individuals from designating their own gender on birth and death certificates.
Phil strongly believes that no one in New Jersey--from military veterans to small business owners to aspiring parents--should be treated differently because of whom they love.
Source: 2017 New Jersey Gubernatorial website, Murphy4NJ.com
Sep 19, 2016
Ray Lesniak:
Replace civil unions with same-sex marriage
Excerpts from legislation: The "Marriage Equality and Religious Exemption Act" would recognize same-sex marriage. Same-sex civil unions would no longer be permitted, and all previously sanctioned civil unions would be deemed to be
marriages. Religious organizations are not required to solemnize or provide goods or services for any marriage in violation of their religious beliefs.Excerpts from veto message: Neither the US Constitution nor the NJ State Constitution
contain a right to same-sex marriage. In 2006, the NJ Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples must be afforded the same rights and benefits as their heterosexual counterparts. Civil unions grant all the same rights and benefits. I encourage that the
Legislature trust the people of NJ to vote on the question of same-sex marriage, and then amend the State Constitution.
Legislative outcome: Lesniak voted YEA; bill passed House 42-33-4; bill passed Senate 24-16-0; Governor vetoed.
Source: New Jersey legislative voting records: S1&A1
Feb 13, 2012
Richard Codey:
Replace civil unions with same-sex marriage
Excerpts from legislation: The "Marriage Equality and Religious Exemption Act" would recognize same-sex marriage. Same-sex civil unions would no longer be permitted, and all previously sanctioned civil unions would be deemed to be
marriages. Religious organizations are not required to solemnize or provide goods or services for any marriage in violation of their religious beliefs.Excerpts from veto message: Neither the US Constitution nor the NJ State Constitution
contain a right to same-sex marriage. In 2006, the NJ Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples must be afforded the same rights and benefits as their heterosexual counterparts. Civil unions grant all the same rights and benefits. I encourage that the
Legislature trust the people of NJ to vote on the question of same-sex marriage, and then amend the State Constitution.
Legislative outcome: Codey voted YEA; bill passed House 42-33-4; bill passed Senate 24-16-0; Governor vetoed.
Source: New Jersey legislative voting records: S1&A1
Feb 13, 2012
Robert Menendez:
Supports gay marriage
Q: Support gay marriage?Robert Hugin (R): Yes.
Robert Menendez (D): Yes.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on New Jersey Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Seth Kaper-Dale:
Panel to recommend reparations for African-Americans
The history of slavery in this country, and subsequent racist policy-making, has denigrated African-Americans, often with tremendous disadvantages. It would be a goal of my administration to reduce the racial disparity in our economic, social
and political system. However, to really begin to make things right, real reparations are owed to African-American families. A Black-Ribbon Panel on Reparations would be one of the first special councils formed during my administration.
Source: 2018 New Jersey Governor website KaperDaleForGovernor.com
Aug 8, 2017
Stuart Meissner:
Supports expansion of Title VI addressing anti-Semitism
Meissner said, "I want to thank and congratulate President Trump for signing an Executive Order that expands the reach of Title VI to meet the alarming rise in anti-Semitism and BDS campaigns on campus. My own daughter and the students at
Syracuse University have been recently terrorized by such threats, so I am pleased that the U.S. Department of Education will now be empowered to fight back against these instances of prejudice and hate."
Source: SaveJersey.com on 2020 New Jersey Senate race
Dec 12, 2019
Thomas Kean Jr.:
Replace civil unions with same-sex marriage
Excerpts from legislation: The "Marriage Equality and Religious Exemption Act" would recognize same-sex marriage. Same-sex civil unions would no longer be permitted, and all previously sanctioned civil unions would be deemed to be
marriages. Religious organizations are not required to solemnize or provide goods or services for any marriage in violation of their religious beliefs.Excerpts from veto message: Neither the US Constitution nor the NJ State Constitution
contain a right to same-sex marriage. In 2006, the NJ Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples must be afforded the same rights and benefits as their heterosexual counterparts. Civil unions grant all the same rights and benefits. I encourage that the
Legislature trust the people of NJ to vote on the question of same-sex marriage, and then amend the State Constitution.
Legislative outcome: Kean voted YEA; bill passed House 42-33-4; bill passed Senate 24-16-0; Governor vetoed.
Source: New Jersey legislative voting records: S1&A1
Feb 13, 2012
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023