On Monday the New Jersey Assembly had just enough votes to approve a domestic partner benefits bill that would provide some rights to same-sex couples.

On Monday the New Jersey Assembly had just enough votes to approve a domestic partner benefits bill that would provide some rights to same-sex couples.

The bill, S2820, passed late in the evening in the state capitol of Trenton with the exact minimum votes needed: 41 in favor; 28 against, 9 abstentions.

S2820 provides same-sex couples, who have filed an affidavit of domestic partnership with a local registrar, such rights as hospital visitation, an inheritance-tax exemption and state income-tax deduction for dependents.

The bill also allows state employees to put partners on their health insurance coverage and outlaws discrimination against domestic partners.

Because a state Senate committee approved an identical measure, S2820 is ready for New Jersey Gov. James E. McGreevey's signature. McGreevey, who in the past has said he opposes same-sex marriage, said he plans to sign this bill.

"The time has come to grant these individuals the equality and the decency that they deserve," the governor said in a prepared statement. "I look forward to signing a bill that ensures these basic rights."

This comes a month after a Superior Court judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by seven gay couples seeking to have their relationships legally recognized in New Jersey. While Superior Court Judge Linda Feinberg said there was nothing in New Jersey's Constitution that guarantees same-sex marriage as a right, she did make an appeal to state lawmakers to give gay couples some of the rights they are asking for.

The bill's Assembly sponsor, Loretta Weinberg, D-Bergen, told the Press of Atlantic City, "We're not changing social morays. We're merely recognizing what already exists."

California is poised to recognize some of the most domestic partner rights. In September, former Gov. Gray Davis signed AB 205, giving registered same-sex domestic partners nearly all of the state-level rights and responsibilities that married couples enjoy.

Formally known as the California Domestic Partner Rights & Responsibilities Act, AB 205 is set to become effective Jan. 1, 2005.

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