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New Jersey Appellate Court Rejects Marriage Equality

By Stephen J. Hyland
August 31, 2005

In a 2-1 decision, the New Jersey Superior Court-Appellate Division rendered a decision in the appeal of Lewis v. Harris, 378 N.J.Super. 168, 875 A.2d. 259 (App.Div.2005) that the “statutory limitation of marriage to members of the opposite sex does not violate the New Jersey Constitution.” Although disappointing, the decision was not unexpected and, because there is a dissenting opinion, under New Jersey Rules of Court there is an automatic right of appeal to the New Jersey Supreme Court. The notice of appeal has been filed, and as of this writing the parties awaited a briefing schedule. he majority opinions were summarized in last month's issue. The dissenting opinion is summarized below.

Dissent of Collester, J.A.D.

After first recognizing that the definition of marriage is a subject of profound disagreement, Judge Collester writes that it is the duty of the judiciary to “uphold individual rights, liberties and guarantees” even where it may “disappoint or offend” other citizens. Id. at 278.

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