NEW JERSEY ALLOWS GAY BENEFITS:

New Jersey has become the fifth state to recognize same-sex partnerships. Under the new law, domestic partners will gain access to medical benefits, insurance and other legal rights. New Jersey also will recognize such partnerships granted in other states. The bill does not authorize gay marriage and Gov. James E. McGreevey said he would not support legislation that would amend the state’s marriage laws to include same-sex partners. The law will not force businesses to offer health coverage to same-sex partners of employees but does require insurance companies to make it available. It also allows a surviving partner to gain property rights and other survivor’s benefits. Domestic partnerships are recognized in California, Massachusetts and Hawaii, and civil unions between same-sex couples are legal in Vermont.