For Immediate Release

April 29, 2005

Contact: Vince Matthews 973-509-0388

REMARKS BY SENATOR GILL ON THE SIGNING OF SENATE BILL 285, PERMITTING NEW JERSEY TO RECOGNIZE FOREIGN ADOPTIONS

There are hundreds of families in our state with adopted children who are recognized by the federal government as US citizens. However, under New Jersey state law, the status of these children is rather ambiguous, leading many parents to go through a process of re-adoption. Today, that is no longer the situation.

The signing of Senate Bill 285 now makes New Jersey family law consistent with the spirit of the Federal Child Citizenship Act. It makes sense that our state should grant the same protections to our children and families that the federal government guarantees.

While it is an honor to have been part of a process that makes a difference in the lives families, it is particularly special when the inspiration for change comes from one of my constituents. It has been almost three years to the day that John Lytle, a Montclair resident, contacted my district office about this dilemma. He educated my staff and me, and rallied hundreds of families to support a needed change in New Jersey family law. They worked hard, and today we witness the fruits of their efforts.

It is with great pleasure that I can say, this is a wonderful example of how people can influence government, and make positive changes the law.

So I give special thanks to John Lytle, Kem Louie, the members of the Montclair Area Adoption Playgroup, and the members Families with Children from China for their lobbying efforts.

I would also like thank my co-prime sponsors, Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg and Assemblywoman Mary Previte.