Welcome to Out in Jersey Magazine
Ocean Grove May Have Denied Lesbian Couple Their Civil Rights
Last Updated (Wednesday, 31 December 2008 14:03) Written by Out In Jersey Monday, 29 December 2008 00:00
NJ Division On Civil Rights Finds Probable Cause
December 29 - The state issued a "Finding of Probable Cause" against the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association for allegedly discriminating against a lesbian couple who had sought permission to hold their civil union ceremony at the Boardwalk Pavilion.
"The finding is a victory for everybody," said Louisa Paster to Out In Jersey on the phone. Civil Union partner Harriet Bernstein continued, " There was a tremendous outpouring of support in the entire Ocean Grove community. The town itself is very friendly to the LGBT community."
"The unexpected results of this painful incident have been a renewed sense of community and energy in Ocean Grove, evidenced by the flying of hundreds equality flags, fundraising events, porch parties, and support for local restaurants," said Paster in a statement from Ocean Grove United, a group of residents committed to civil rights for all. "We now look forward to the Camp Meeting Association lifting its ban on the use of the pavilion and allowing both marriage and civil union ceremonies to take place there on an equal basis."
Read more: Ocean Grove May Have Denied Lesbian Couple Their Civil Rights
Marriage Equality Is Not A Priority Says New Jersey Governor
Last Updated (Wednesday, 31 December 2008 10:40) Written by Peter Frycki Friday, 26 December 2008 00:00
Governor Corzine says same-sex marriage will not be addressed early in 2009
In a stunning about face, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine says that marriage for same-sex couples will not be addressed by his administration early in 2009. In a Newark Star Ledger interview he said issues in relation to the faltering state economy will take priority in the Governors office. Previously, Corzine had said that LGBT concerns about marriage equality would be dealt with immediately after the November 2008 elections.
The latest comment from the Governor comes after years of delays by the Democratically controlled legislature on the issue. The New Jersey Supreme Court took up the issue more than five years ago. The decision empowered the legislature to find a remedy to the inequality in the marriage laws that made it impossible for same-sex couples to be treated equally. The legislature was ordered to act by the court. It responded rather quickly with the New Jersey Civil Union Law and a state commission that studied the LGBT inequality issues after the law took effect.
Read more: Marriage Equality Is Not A Priority Says New Jersey Governor
New Jersey Civil Unions Are Not Working
Last Updated (Tuesday, 23 December 2008 15:59) Written by Out In Jersey Friday, 12 December 2008 00:00
The Final Report Is Issued by the Civil Union Commission
Civil Unions in New Jersey are not working is the conclusion of the Civil Union Review Commission which issued its final report to the Governor and Legislature on December 10, 2008. The bipartisan commision reviewed hundreds of pages of submissions, conducted 18 public meetings, and heard testimony from nearly 200 parents, attorneys, health care providers, clergy, business people, children, union members, accountants, and others.
NJ Gay Activist David Morris Has Passed Away
Last Updated (Friday, 19 December 2008 12:28) Written by Out In Jersey Tuesday, 09 December 2008 00:00
Gay New Jersey leader will be missed
David Morris, one of the Garden State’s longest standing gay activists passed away on Monday, December 8. Recently he chaired the legal committee of the New Jersey Lesbian & Gay Coalition (NJLGC), Morris was also active with the Gay Activist Alliance in Morris County for many years and was president of both groups in years past.
Morris , in his mid 70s, remained active in New Jersey gay and lesbian groups and activism until very recently. His health was affected by cancer.
Guido Sanchez leaves Jersey City LGBT Center
Last Updated (Tuesday, 09 December 2008 10:41) Written by Out In Jersey Wednesday, 03 December 2008 00:00
CenterLink Welcomes Sanchez to their staff
Jersey City’s Pride Connections LGBT Center will miss Executive Director Guido Sanchez. He is moving on to help LGBT communities all around the world as the National Manager of CenterLink the organization of LGBT centers.
Sanchez will be responsible for strengthening CenterLink’s support programs for LGBT community centers across the globe, as well as working with key partners, donors, and foundations for the community center movement’s long-term development.
