The governor of the state of New Jersey, in the United States, signed into law the law that gives gay couples the same rights and responsibilities as heterosexual couples, but so far he still does not recognize the expression “marriage” in these unions. The law is expected to come into effect on February 19, 2007. When the law comes into force, New Jersey will become the third state in the USA to regularize legal unions between homosexuals. Benefits for gay couples in New Jersey provide for equal rights such as hospital stays, medical insurance and sharing of assets.
