Lambda files
brief in New Jersey marriage case

Gay advocacy group Lambda Legal has filed its opening brief urging the New Jersey supreme court to strike down the state's ban on marriage for gay couples. Lambda filed the suit on behalf of seven gay and lesbian couples back in 2002. Since then, some of the couples have welcomed children into their families, and one of the plaintiffs, Marilyn Maneely, has died. Lambda Marriage Project director David Buckel noted in a statement, "With these life-changing events come difficult and painful challenges our clients shouldn't have to face but do because they are not allowed to marry." In June a state appeals court ruled that the New Jersey constitution does not require recognition of same-sex marriage. The supreme court brief, filed Friday, says the couples "cannot enjoy dignity, security, and first-class status as citizens when the government denies them access to one of society's most esteemed institutions, marriage, with the person each loves."

Lambda says its suit is based entirely on New Jersey law, which means the state high court will have the final say on the matter. Lawyers for the state have not yet filed their opening brief, and the supreme court has not yet scheduled its hearing on the case. (Sirius OutQ News)