Now that the new law is on the books, here are a few frequently asked questions:
Can same-sex partners in New Jersey get married now?
The New Jersey same-sex civil unions law goes into affect on February 19, 2006. Gay and lesbian couples can register as early as early as then. However, according to New Jersey Wedding Officiate Jennifer Ansbach, "The New Jersey Department of Health issues the licenses for marriages and now civil unions. Since February 19th is a holiday and with New Jersey's 72-hour waiting period, the soonest ceremonies can be performed is Thursday, February 22. Couples wanting to marry that first weekend of the 24th-25th need to apply by Tuesday (February 20) and pick up the valid license on Friday (February 23). Applicants must have the name and address of their officiate when they apply, so they need to plan ahead." Weren't gays always allowed to get married in New Jersey already?
Same-sex couples have been allowed to register as domestic partners since July 10, 2004, but not full legal marriage.
What's the difference between a domestic partnership and full marriage?
There are over a thousand benefits awarded to couples who legally marry. Domestic partnerships and civil unions are forms of marriage, but they do not provide the full list of benefits, thus fall short of full marriage. The benefits allotted under domestic partnerships and civil unions vary by the state that allows them (California, Vermont and Connecticut).
New Jersey government documents and procedures will be changed to include same-sex couples. For now, here are the current instructions on how apply for a marriage license.
If my partner and I are legally married in another state such as Massachusetts, will it be valid in New Jersey?
Since same-sex marriage is not legal in the United States on the federal level, your marriage will only be valid in the state or country in which it was issued. Each state must decide if they will honor other marriage same-sex marriage licenses.
Can same-sex partners in New Jersey get married now?
The New Jersey same-sex civil unions law goes into affect on February 19, 2006. Gay and lesbian couples can register as early as early as then. However, according to New Jersey Wedding Officiate Jennifer Ansbach, "The New Jersey Department of Health issues the licenses for marriages and now civil unions. Since February 19th is a holiday and with New Jersey's 72-hour waiting period, the soonest ceremonies can be performed is Thursday, February 22. Couples wanting to marry that first weekend of the 24th-25th need to apply by Tuesday (February 20) and pick up the valid license on Friday (February 23). Applicants must have the name and address of their officiate when they apply, so they need to plan ahead." Weren't gays always allowed to get married in New Jersey already?
Same-sex couples have been allowed to register as domestic partners since July 10, 2004, but not full legal marriage.
What's the difference between a domestic partnership and full marriage?
There are over a thousand benefits awarded to couples who legally marry. Domestic partnerships and civil unions are forms of marriage, but they do not provide the full list of benefits, thus fall short of full marriage. The benefits allotted under domestic partnerships and civil unions vary by the state that allows them (California, Vermont and Connecticut).
- See where gay marriage or partnerships are legal around the world.
New Jersey government documents and procedures will be changed to include same-sex couples. For now, here are the current instructions on how apply for a marriage license.
If my partner and I are legally married in another state such as Massachusetts, will it be valid in New Jersey?
Since same-sex marriage is not legal in the United States on the federal level, your marriage will only be valid in the state or country in which it was issued. Each state must decide if they will honor other marriage same-sex marriage licenses.