Following through on a determination to support civil unions in New Jersey, Governor Jon Corzine signed the bill into law yesterday.

What this means: as of February 19, 2007, same-sex couples in the state can enter into a civil union with all the legal benefits of marriage except the title. This will be the first day couples can file for a civil union license, and Thursday, February 22 will be the first day ceremonies can be performed due to the 72-hour waiting period the state requires before issuing a license. Those hoping to marry that first weekend civil unions are legal need to apply for a license no later than Tuesday, February 20, 2007 and must pick the valid license on Friday, February 23. The license is good for 30 days.

Also, note that New Jersey requires the name and address of the officiant to issue the license, so make sure you book one beforehand.

I look forward to many weddings this year of couples who now have a choice.

My husband has said that he thinks under the law, he and I may no longer be married. Our ceremony was not a religious sacrament but one performed by the county clerk. It would seem that many of us formerly-married people should have civil unions under the law, but I suppose that bridge will be crossed later. For now, this is a step ahead for many who have wanted the benefits of marriage. I believe at some point the government will have to recognize civil unions–why would the government care about a religious sacrament, after all? They didn’t require papers when I was baptized or took communion. Until then, I hope the new year brings much to celebrate for many.