New Jersey to
expand DP registry

The New Jersey state senate on Thursday passed an expansion of the state's domestic-partnership law that would, upon a domestic partner's death, give the surviving partner control of the estate and inheritance in the absence of a will. The new expansion also would give the surviving partner control of burial decisions absent a directive otherwise.

To the delight of gay rights activists in the state, the senate voted 35-0 in favor of the expansion, demonstrating strong support among both Democrats and Republicans for the legal recognition of gay and lesbian couples. "This is the most lopsided pro-LGBT rights vote in New Jersey history," said Steven Goldstein, chair of Garden State Equality. "This is yet another major milestone in the increasing power of New Jersey's LGBTI community."

The bill is expected to be passed by the state assembly next week. (Advocate.com)