More than 200 couples join first month civil unions offered in New Jersey

At least 219 gay couples applied to join in civil unions during the first month they were available in New Jersey.

The state Health and Senior Services Department expected a lot more than 219 couples to apply for the Civil Union in New Jersey. The State Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to deny gay couples access to the protections of marriage. On the first day that the state's domestic partnership law went into affect in 2004, they had 500 gay and lesbian couples register. The domestic partnership law does not offer as much benefits as a Civil Union does. The Civil Union offers all the legal benefits of a marriage but without the title of marriage. They get the right to file taxes jointly, inheritance and adoption rights, and the ability to make medical decisions on a partner's behalf. There has been some cases where employers have said they will not recognize civil unions. By law, they are obligated to recognize it. The only state in the U.S. that allows gay couples to marry is Massachusetts. Vermont and Connecticut and now New Jersey offer civil unions. California has the domestic partnership law. The numbers are lower than expected because couples believe they will be allowed to marry in a few years according to Steven Goldstein. He also is urging all gay couples to take advantage of the civil union so they will have the protection that comes with it. The same people authorized to perform weddings can also do civil unions.