NJ ASSEMBLY APPROVES DOMESTIC PARTNER BILL: From the Philadelphia Inquirer

The state Assembly narrowly approved controversial legislation last night that would grant certain legal rights and financial benefits to same-sex couples.
The vote, taken after nearly an hour of debate, was 41-28, with nine abstentions. The bill required 41 votes to pass.

"Thank God," Laura Pople, president of the New Jersey Lesbian and Gay Coalition, said immediately after the vote was recorded.
Earlier in the day, a state Senate committee approved an identical measure. The bills could be merged and sent to Gov. McGreevey, who has indicated he would sign the legislation. ...

Supporters have said some older couples want domestic-partner benefits, but do not want to marry due to potential penalties on pensions and other financial interests.

...Both bills would provide for hospital-visitation and decision-making rights, an inheritance-tax exemption, and a state income-tax deduction for dependents.

The bills also would provide partners of state employees with health insurance and pension coverage, and would outlaw discrimination against domestic partners.

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posted by Eve at 8:14 AM VOTE

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