Today, we have given advice to the State Registrar of Vital Statistics that New Jersey law does not permit same sex marriages. We understand that the State Registrar has forwarded that advice to municipal officials throughout New Jersey having authority to issue marriage licenses and solemnize marriages. The advice we have provided is based on our review of State statutes, prior rulings by State courts and, most recently, the November 2003 decision issued by Judge Feinberg in Superior Court in Mercer County. We are urging all municipal officials to comply with the law as it exists.

We continue to believe that, ultimately, the issue of same sex marriage is most appropriately addressed by the Legislature. We also urge same sex couples to take advantage of the Domestic Partnership Act, which grants our citizens important rights. While we understand the desire of same sex couples to marry, New Jersey law does not recognize such marriages. We hope that municipal officials will comply with the law as it exists. If not, this matter will have to be resolved by the court.