PA vs. NJ; legal view of same-sex relationships
From Gay in America by Scott Pasfield, published by Welcome Books. © 2011 Scott Pasfield. *www.gayinamerica.us
Since we are located right on the border of NJ here, I’ve been asked by some clients about some the nuances between the states’ views on same sex couples and whether there is an advantage to live in one.
I consulted an expert in Phillipsburg NJ who has experience in these legal matters, Attorney Dennis W. Winegar. “There are huge differences between NJ and PA in this area of the law. To start with, NJ recognizes civil unions whereas PA does not. In NJ, you can dissolve civil unions whereas in PA you cannot (since PA does not recognize them).”
While the legal perspective makes a strong case for choosing NJ, one of course also has to also consider the local community and how welcoming it is. If you prepare a good solid legal partner agreement, PA can certainly also work. Just ask Ron Morris & Ken Jones Jr, who own the downtown Mercantile Home shop, and also live in Easton. They are featured in Scott Pasfield’s new publication, ‘Gay in America’. This book is distributed by Random House and published by Welcome Books.
Thanks to years of efforts by local Councilperson Carole Heffley, former Mayor Phil Mitman, and Easton resident Earl David Ball, among others – there are now LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) protections afforded in Easton due to the non-discrimination law in 2006 that prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations on the basis of sexual-orientation and gender identity. Now Easton has an anti-discrimination ordinance which prohibits discrimination in all the categories already in place in the state in relation to employment, housing and public accomodations but also adds sexual orientation and gender identity, which aren’t included in the state legislation. Its an extra protection for LGBT persons wishing to live in Easton.
There are a lot of factors that go into choosing where to live… Easton has a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, just ask around.
November 2011: Easton PA is featured in new Gay in America publication.
