With the New Jersey Legislature?s passage of the civil unions bill, many same-sex couples are expected to take part in civil ceremonies.

Even though the marriage was not legally recognized by New Jersey, Asbury Park Deputy Mayor Jim Bruno performed a wedding ceremony for a same-sex couple a few years ago. Some gay couples feel that ceremony kick-started the civil unions issue. Councilman John Loffredo (D-Asbury Park) says there was a lot of media attention around that ceremony.

While many same-sex couples plan on having civil unions, other couples may still hold out for official marriages. The bill still needs to be signed by Governor Jon Corzine (D-NJ). Ceremonies can begin 60 days after Corzine signs the bill into law.

Related Information:Civil unions bill passes both chambers of NJ Legislature