Democratic New
Jersey assemblyman Reed Gusciora, who recently introduced
a bill that would allow gay and lesbian couples to marry in
the state, has come out. Gusciora, 46, said on
Sunday during an appearance on the New Jersey Network
news show On the Record that he has never
denied his sexuality, reports The [Newark] Star Ledger.
"I've just never made an issue of it," Gusciora,
who represents Mercer, said on the show. "If
someone asks me, I tell them. No one ever asked me
publicly before."
The revelation makes Gusciora the first openly
gay member of the New Jersey legislature. He said that
his constituents will not care that he is gay. "At
least I hope so," he said. "New Jersey is a lot more
tolerant than other states."
His move was hailed by local gay rights
supporters. "Reed's coming-out has enormous historical
and policy consequences," said Steven Goldstein of
Garden State Equality, who added that gay activists in
California and New York have seen far more success in the
legislative process because of the effect openly gay
lawmakers have had on their colleagues. (The
Advocate)
