N.J. Moves to Dismiss Gay Marriage Lawsuit

The New Jersey attorney general wants a dismissal of the marriage equality lawsuit that will be heard before a judge this Friday.

The Associated Press reports on the latest development in the lawsuit filed by marriage equality advocates in June. State Superior Court Judge Linda Feinberg has scheduled a hearing for Friday but the attorney general argues that the issue is already settled.

The high court ruled in 2006 that same-sex couples are entitled to all the same rights as married couples, but left it to lawmakers to decide how to grant those rights, whether through marriage or some other mechanism. Lawmakers responded by creating civil unions, which have proven to be a legally confusing and unequal solution, according to the latest lawsuit.

The state senate rejected a marriage equality bill in 2010. Governor Chris Christie, who took office afterward, has said he supports civil unions but would not sign a marriage bill into law.