Take a Stand on Gay Marriage

I would like to present a clear fact that everyone seems to be overlooking regarding the “legal application” of marriage or civil union. When any couple applies for a marriage or civil union license here in New Jersey, they file that legal document with the registrar in the community that they live in. Following the wedding ceremony, this legal document is then officially registered by the wedding officiant — Priest, Rabbi, Minister, Mayor or Judge — in the municipality that the couple had their ceremony performed. Whether it was a marriage or civil union, the legal document is the responsibility of the state of New Jersey and not a House of Worship. If the Catholic Church wishes to grant a “sacrament of marriage” certificate for their wedding couples, or a Jewish Temple wants to provide their wedding couples with a Ketubah (the Jewish marriage contract), then they have every right to do so. What these religious institutions do not have the right to do is deny the state of New Jersey the right to issue a marriage certificate to any and all gay and lesbian individuals who wish to pledge their love to one another. This issue is not about morality — it’s about equality.

More at: My Central Jersey!