New Jersey State Law New Jersey recognizes same-sex relationships under state law as follows: Same-Sex Marriage New Jersey prohibits same-sex marriages.   According to an opinion letter from the state attorney general, same-sex relationships from other jurisdictions that provide substantially all of the rights and benefits of marriage will be treated as civil unions in New Jersey.  Civil Unions Under New Jersey law, a civil union means the legally recognized union of two eligible individuals of the same sex. Parties to a civil union are entitled to the same benefits and protections, and are subject to the same responsibilities, as spouses in a marriage. Click here for more information. Domestic Partnerships Domestic partners are entitled to certain rights and benefits that are accorded to married couples under the laws of New Jersey, including statutory protection against various forms of discrimination based on domestic partnership status, such as employment, housing and credit discrimination.  As a result of amendments made to New Jersey's Domestic Partnership Act by the Civil Union Act implemented on February 19, 2007, same-sex or opposite-sex couples must be age 62 or older and meet the remaining eligibility requirements of the law to register as domestic partners. Domestic partnerships registered prior to February 19, 2007 are still valid and are afforded the rights and benefits of domestic partners. Click here for more information.