ESSEX COUNTY FREEHOLDER BRENDAN W.

GILL
HALL OF RECORDS 465 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., BLVD. ROOM 552 NEWARK, NJ 07102
Email: BGILL@FREEHOLDERS.ESSEXCOUNTYNJ.ORG

For Immediate Release Wednesday, August 14 , 2013 Contact -- Office of Freeholder Brendan Gill: (973) 621-6457

Brendan Gill Teams with Garden State Equality in Push for Gay Marriage
Essex becomes second New Jersey county to legislatively voice its opposition to Gov. Christies veto of legislation that would have allowed for same-sex couples to marry. County freeholders call for a legislative end to the separate but equal status of same-sex couples in New Jersey. Newark -- In the marriage debate, a civil union just doesnt cut it according to Brendan Gill senior advisor to Cory Booker and first-term Essex County Freeholder. Tonight, Gill was joined by [all] members of the county legislative body in calling for a new vote in the statehouse to override Governor Chris Christies failure to sign legislation that would have made New Jersey amongst the first states in the nation to extend the right to marry to same sex couples. Under current New Jersey law, same sex couples are entitled to the same legal benefits and protections as a married couple. In attendance at the meeting were TJ Helmstetter and Troy Stevenson of Garden State Equality, as well as David Turley of New Jersey United for Marriage and several county residents who made themselves present to vocalize their support for what some call the American civil rights issue of the 21st century. Taking a sharper tone than tonight, earlier this year, Brendan Gill wrote in an editorial: [We] appointed the first ever countywide LGBTQ Advisory Board [] but last year, Gov. Christie vetoed a bill which would have brought Essex County into the 21st century and assured marriage equality for all people in New Jersey. Here in Essex County, were affirming our commitment to all people, and ensuring that the full diversity of voices from our communities are represented in our government. Gill, hopes that the momentum of the movement continues. At the county level, although we cant override the veto ourselves, its our goal to make sure the Governor and the legislature hear us and hear what a majority of New Jerseyans feel. Following the Wednesday night meeting, advocates and supporters joined Freeholder Gill at a reception at Newarks Edison Ale House. Its time to do whats right. Gill stated. Theres nothing noble about denying basic rights to anybody let alone two ordinary people who are in love.

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Brendan Gill represents the municipalities of Bloomfield, Belleville, Glen Ridge, Nutley, and Montclair on the Essex County Board of Chosen Freeholders. He also serves as Chairman of the Montclair Democratic Party. For more information, visit BrendanWGill.com or essex-countynj.org/freeholders