With New Jersey's civil union law now in effect, some employers across the state must now think of how to revise their benefit plans.

Steve Goldstein, of Garden State Equality, says private companies must offer gay employees and their partners the same benefits offered to heterosexual employees. However, he doubts all companies will go along with the new law. With talk of some employers saying they're not going to change their policies, Goldstein reminds them that they don't have a choice. He predicts the issue will lead to a court battle.

The civil union law follows a state Supreme Court ruling that forced the New Jersey Legislature to provide gay couples with the same rights as heterosexuals. New Jersey joins Connecticut and Vermont as the only states in the nation to allow civil unions. Massachusetts is the only state that allows same-sex marriages.

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