benefits for same sex partners in NJ

[Guest mjb]

The NJ decision requiring equal rights for same sex couples (although not the right to be "married") has drawn comments that it will increase the rights to benefits and tax deductions for NJ residents. Since NJ already provides state income tax and estate tax benefits to domesic partners and spousal benefits to domestic partners of NJ state employees what additional benefits will be available? The only new state benefits apears to be that municipal govts will be required to provide spousal health and retirement benefits to domestic partners (it is optional now) and that the NJ Family leave law will cover DP. Under DOMA (1 USC Sect 7) same sex partners are not eligible for any spousal benefits under SS, fed income, fed estate tax or plans covered by ERISA. Other states (except for CA) are not required to accept civil unions or marriages of same sex couples entered into in another state (VT, MA).