N.J. state
legislator and marriage-equality supporter comes out

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)