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Stephen Sweeney on Civil Rights

 

 


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:Sweeney was primary sponsor and 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

Other governors on Civil Rights: Stephen Sweeney on other issues:
NJ Gubernatorial:
Doug Steinhardt
Edward Durr
Hirsh Singh
Jack Ciattarelli
Jim McGreevey
Jon Bramnick
Josh Gottheimer
Mikie Sherrill
Phil Murphy
Ras Baraka
NJ Senatorial:
Andy Kim
Cory Booker
Curtis Bashaw
George Helmy
Justin Murphy
Robert Menendez
Tammy Murphy

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