Timberlake on Support of Zwicker, Murphy, Sumter Measure

Defends Comments Made During Discourse with Webber During Voting Session

(NEWARK) – Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake (D-Essex, Passaic) issued the following statement Friday regarding her discourse with Assemblyman Jay Webber (D-Essex, Morris, Passaic) at the June 20 Assembly voting session. The two exchanged views regarding (A-5508), a bill to revise state law to require healthcare coverage of contraceptives:

“As I expressed in the voting session, I support and commend Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker and appreciate him for sponsoring this bill and for being such a bold and constant ally to women and minorities. I also thank the other sponsors of this legislation including Assemblywomen Carol A. Murphy and Shavonda E. Sumter for their work on this refreshing and liberating bill.

            “I support a business owner’s right to practice their religious beliefs. What I will never support, however, is anyone, be that a man, woman, business or legislator mandating what a woman can or cannot do with her body.

            “While our nation’s constitution does allow for freedom of religion, expression, and opinion, what it does not support is discrimination against anyone. An employer excluding contraception in healthcare citing religious reasons is discrimination and any legislator fighting to keep these exclusions is promoting sexism. I will continue to fight for the liberties of women and all people of New Jersey.”