Same-Sex Marriage in the Tri-State Area

Here is a brief breakdown of where same-sex marriage stands in our two states and the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, per Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign.

None allows gay same-sex marriage.

New Jersey and Delaware do allow same-sex unions and recognize gay marriages from other states as same-sex unions.

PENNSYLVANIA

  • Same-Sex Marriage: NO
  • Civil Unions: NO
  • Recognizes Same-Sex Relationships From Other States: NO

Pennsylvania law states: “It is hereby declared to be the strong and longstanding public policy of this commonwealth that marriage shall be between one man and one woman. A marriage between persons of the same sex which was entered into in another state or foreign jurisdiction, even if valid where entered into, shall be void in this commonwealth.”

NEW JERSEY

  • Same-Sex Marriage: NO
  • Civil Unions: YES
  • Recognizes Same-Sex Relationships From Other States: YES, as Civil Unions

There is a motion pending before the state Supreme Court challenging the denial of marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Representing the original couples in Lewis et. al. v. Harris, in March 2010 Lambda Legal filed a Motion in Aid of Litigants' Rights with the state Supreme Court arguing that civil unions have not fulfilled the Constitution's guarantee of equality promised in the Court's 2006 ruling.

DELAWARE

  • Same-Sex Marriage: NO
  • Civil Unions: YES
  • Recognizes Same-Sex Relationships From Other States: YES, as Civil Unions
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