Congressman Rush Holt, representing New Jersey, writes about his support for same sex marriage and marriage equality now.
| By Rush Holt, Ph.D.  Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ) serves on the Committee on Education and Labor, the Committee on Natural Resources, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and the LGBT Equality caucus among other caucuses.
Dr. Holt has been an active leader on LGBT equality, ensuring verifiable elections, investing in math and science education, and supporting alternative energy forms. Representative Holt has received numerous awards and citations for his work, including honors from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Garden State Equality, and the National Center for Transgender Equality. He has received the Planned Parenthood Community Service Award, the Biotech Legislator of the Year, and the Science Coalition's Champion of Science award. eQualityGiving has inducted him as an Equality Hero.
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EQUAL JUSTICE FOR ALL - MARRIAGE AND SAME SEX UNIONS
The Constitution was an attempt by our nation's founding fathers to form a more perfect union and establish justice for all. Yet, there is little that is perfect or just for same sex couples who wish to make life commitments to each other. As a society, we need to realize that discrimination against homosexuals is the next chapter in our struggle for civil rights for all.
THE OBSTACLES SAME SEX COUPLES FACE
Unfortunately, choosing to be in a committed same-sex relationship today too often results in discriminatory treatment. Same sex couples are prohibited from receiving group insurance given to state employees, lack legal hospital visitation rights and are denied survivors benefits. They are also excluded from the legal protections relating to title, state and municipal tax laws, wrongful death, emotional distress, and other torts or actions under contracts related to spousal status. If long-term, committed relationships are good for society, as I believe they are, then it makes no sense to punish those who choose to enter into them.
BRINGING DOWN THE BARRIERS - LEGAL AND SOCIETAL
The recent New Jersey Supreme Court Ruling puts our state in the lead in breaking down the barriers that committed life partners face in seeking legal recognition of their relationships. It means that same-sex couples will be treated fairly and have access to the same legal rights that heterosexual couples possess. At various times, our nation has expanded equal treatment to different groups of people. Each time, our nation has only become stronger. Each time, the country was forced to measure our practices against our principles. Each time, we have had to look within ourselves and come to grips with our ignorance and prejudices. And each time, it took the firm hand of the courts to direct us.
Importantly, equal treatment under the law leaves the religious aspect of marriage untouched, as it should. The U.S. and New Jersey Constitutions require the government to respect the separation of church and state and the New Jersey Supreme Court's decision does nothing to change this.
HISTORY AS OUR GUIDE
I disagree with the social critics who say that same sex marriage will damage the institution of marriage. History has shown repeatedly that institutions are only strengthened when they treat all people equally. Our armed forces were only bolstered when African Americans were accepted into service. American colleges and universities are not weaker because they accept women. Because they grant equal rights and privileges, these institutions are stronger.
Life commitments that are monogamous and mutually supportive have a wide array of benefits in social, economic, and personal terms Allowing all people to enter into them strengthens the institution of marriage, it does not weaken it. Recognizing the legal rights associated with marriage regardless of sexual orientation will not diminish the number of people who enter into marriage, nor the satisfaction those that are married find in their relationships. No marriage is made weaker because two women or two men are living together somewhere in New Jersey as a married couple.
