NJ getting closer to marriage rights

"NJ is a lot of things to a lot of people. It's socially progressive and is one step closer to recognizing the rights of same-sex couples to get married. (Reuters)

In a report that could lead to New Jersey legalizing gay marriage, the Civil Union Review Commission said same-sex couples cannot achieve equality with heterosexual couples if their legal status is restricted to civil unions.

"Full marriage is the only way to meet a state constitutional requirement for equality", said the 13-member panel of public officials, clergy, lawyers and same-sex marriage advocates.

The panel was picked by the governor, other state officials and state agencies and charged with evaluating New Jersey's civil union law and making a recommendation. Its recommendation was unanimous.