GenQ - For the not so straight individual

New Jersey's gay couples are gaining all the rights and responsibilities of marriage as New Jersey becomes the third state in the nation to institute civil unions and the fifth to offer some version of marriage.

Gov. Corzine is expected to sign the bill on Thursday.

When the law takes effect Feb. 19, New Jersey will join Connecticut and Vermont as states that allow civil unions for gay couples. Massachusetts allows gay couples to marry, and California has domestic partnerships that bring full marriage rights.

Civil Unions will allow gay couples in New Jersey to have adoption, inheritance, hospital visitation and medical decision-making rights and the right not to testify against a partner in state court.