Same-sex civil unions become law in New Jersey

PHILADELPHIA, Dec 22 (Reuters) New Jersey yesterday became the third US state to provide equal rights for same-sex couples in committed relationships known as civil unions.

Gov Jon Corzine, signing the Civil Unions bill into law, said the state has an obligation to give such partnerships the same legal rights as married couples.

''We must recognise that many gay and lesbian couples in New Jersey are in committed relationships, and deserve the same benefits and rights as every other family in the state,'' Corzine said in a statement.

The bill was passed by lawmakers last week following a ruling by the state Supreme Court affirming equal rights for same-sex couples, but deferring to the legislature a decision on whether to call their relationships ''marriage.'' Lawmakers opted to call them ''civil unions.'' Massachusetts is the only US state to have legalised same-sex marriage, which supporters say is necessary to establish true equality for homosexual partnerships.

Connecticut and Vermont have civil union laws.

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