Scutari Introduces Bill to Streamline Securing Parental Rights for Same-Sex Couples

Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senator Nicholas Scutari, which would establish a process to obtain a judgment of adoption by a spouse or partner in a civil union, was introduced to the Senate.

“Same-sex couples have been subjected to lengthy legal proceedings while trying to secure parental rights for the partner not genetically related to the child,” said Senator Scutari (D-Middlesex/Somerset/Union). “An efficient judicial process should be available after utilizing assisted reproduction, and this legislation alleviates the unjustifiable burden felt by same-sex couples. They are the parents, equally, and it’s time to recognize that legally.”

The bill, S-3528, would establish a process through which spouses and partners in civil unions can obtain a judgment of adoption that reflects that both spouses or partners are legal parents of a child conceived through the use of assisted reproduction.

Garden State Equality expressed their support of the legislation:

“Garden State Equality lends its full-throated support to the proposed legislation. It streamlines the judicial process that same-sex female couples in legally-recognized relationships must now undergo to secure their parentage rights. The proposed legislation would save time and money for these families while reducing the caseload in New Jersey courts.”