Recently I wrote a piece on the law of New Jersey domestic partnerships and New Jersey. I discussed the Domestic Partnership Act and future implementation of the Civil Union Act. Since 2007, New Jersey has allowed civil unions between same-sex couples. This was the state’s way of attempting to equalize these civil unions with marriage. While gay couples received many benefits and rights of marriage, they could not officially claim the title of being legally married.

Recently though, gay couples throughout New Jersey have begun to officially get married. Not only are these happy couples finally starting to wed, but also Governor Chris Christie has left behind his long and grueling battle against gay marriage. Christie was cited recently saying that signals from the court and the march of history were clearly against him and that he has decided to desert his fight.

Governor Christie decided not to appeal a judge’s ruling that allowed the weddings removed the last hurdle to legalize gay marriage in New Jersey. Now that Christie’s opposition is no longer an issue in the state, it has officially become the fourteenth state, in addition to DC, to permit gays to legally get married. Other states that legally permit gay marriage include California, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. Governor Christie claimed that he had no arguments left opposing gay marriage in New Jersey and that it was inevitable that his arguments would run out.

Now that New Jersey has become the fourteenth state to legalize gay marriage, other states will soon follow. Many predict which states will be the next to legalize gay marriage. The next state to legalize same-sex marriage appears to be Illinois.  Lawmakers in the state passed a bill on November 5, 2013 to approve of same-sex marriage and that the Governor of Illinois is expected to sign it into effect on November 20, 2013.

At Law Offices of Edward R. Weinstein we respect and appreciate all families and look to legally help our clients protect their legal rights regardless of the lifestyle they choose to live. We stay current on the law and will keep you up-to-date on court decisions and actions that may affect your circumstances and case.