(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver (D-Essex/Passaic) released the following statement Thursday as the Assembly voted 42-33 to approve legislation (A-1) granting marriage equality in New Jersey:
“How can we single out a group of people and deem them undeserving of the same legal and economic protections others enjoy?
“Let us ensure constitutional civil rights and equal protection under the law for all New Jersey citizens.
“We know that denying rights and benefits to committed same-sex couples that are statutorily given to their heterosexual counterparts violates equal protection under the law.
“So let’s end the pernicious practice of discrimination in civil marriage in New Jersey.
“Let’s stand for what’s right.
“Let’s stand for every family.
“Let’s stand for equality.
“Our state’s diversity has long been our strength.
“Let’s embrace all New Jerseyans.”