NJ Adoption Law
NJ permits single GLBT individuals and same-sex couples to adopt. NJ permits a person to adopt his or her same-sex partner’s adopted child.
NJ Custody & Visitation Law
Courts typically will not considers a parent’s sexual orientation in custody and visitation determinations unless it is shown to adversely affect or harm the child(ren). There have been no cases dealing with transgender parents. Courts will allow a former same-sex partner (with no legal or biological relationship to the child(ren)) to petition for visitation.
NJ Donor Insemination Law
NJ law permits unmarried women to undergo donor insemination.
NJ Hate Crimes Law
NJ law covers hate crimes based on sexual orientation but not gender identity.
NJ Marriage/Relationship Recognition Law
No provision in NJ law bans recognition of same-sex marriages celebrated in another jurisdiction. The NJ Domestic Partnership Law took effect July 10, 2004.
NJ Non-Discrimination Law
NJ law protects against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
NJ School Law
NJ addresses school issues relating to sexual orientation and gender identity.
NJ Sodomy Law
NJ sodomy law was repealed in 1979.
NJ Surrogacy Law
NJ law permits surrogacy agreements.
NJ Anti-Bullying Law
Behavior motivated by bias based on perceived or actual characteristics, such as race, color, religion, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity is a bias crime. School districts are required to have bullying prevention policies that protect victims, clarify reporting procedures and require consequences for aggressors. Students, staff and parents must be informed of these policies.
