WASHINGTON – Today Judge Mary Jacobson of the Mercer County Superior Court ruled that given the recent Windsor Supreme Court decision granting federal recognition to gay couples, New Jersey’s system of civil unions are inherently unequal and that lesbian and gay couples in that state are entitled to full marriage equality.  If the state does not appeal the ruling, marriages will be able to begin on October 21.

“Civil unions are separate and unequal, particularly in light of this year’s historic Supreme Court term,” said Human Rights Campaign (HRC) president Chad Griffin.  “There are no rational arguments why couples in New Jersey should be relegated to second class status.  State officials should not appeal this sound decision and no longer stand in the way of loving couples being able to make a lifelong commitment with full state and federal recognition.”

HRC offers our congratulations to Garden State Equality, the plaintiffs in the case, as well as Lambda Legal representing them in court.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

# # #