NJ Civil Union Review Commission Report Has Been Released

Over the weekend, we reported that the NJ Civil Union Review Commission would be releasing its report today. Various news outlets are reporting on the matter. New Jersey’s governor has issued this press release.

The CivilUnionsDontWork.com web site links to the 21 page report.

The report concludes:

As a result of public hearings and testimony provided to the New Jersey Civil Union
Review Commission in 2007, the Commission unanimously issues the herein first interim report,
which reveals:

1. For the overwhelming majority of civil union couples who testified, the federal
Employment Retirement Income Security Act, commonly known by its acronym
ERISA, is the reason employers have given for not recognizing their civil unions.

2. In Massachusetts, a marriage equality law has prompted many employers to
provide equal benefits to same-sex wives or husbands.

3. The testimony presented by many civil union couples indicated that their
employers continue to discriminate against them, despite their familiarity with the
law.

4. Civil union status is not clear to the general public, which creates a second-class
status.

5. The Civil Union Act has a deleterious effect on lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, and intersex youth and children being raised by same-sex couples.

6. Many witnesses testified about the unequal treatment and uncertainties they face
during a health care crisis, particularly in hospital settings.

7. Institutional interaction with civil union couples has been less than optimal.

8. Testimony indicates that the Civil Union Act has a particularly disparate impact
on people of color.

9. The requirement that same-sex couples declare civil union status, a separate
category reserved for same-sex couples, exposes members of the United States
military to the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.

10. The classification of civil union may place marital status in question when one of
the partners is transgender.

The Commission further recognizes the need for additional evaluation and review, in
accordance with the New Jersey Civil Union Act. As such, it will be scheduling public
meetings in 2008 to obtain further information and data from interested parties, including
members of the public, State agencies, businesses, and others, in accordance with the
Commission’s statutory mission. The Commission will continue to study, evaluate and
report its findings and recommendations until the issuance of a final report within three
years of the creation of this Commission, in accordance with the Act