For Immediate Release

September 13, 2004

GILL MEASURE TO ESTABLISH THE NEW JERSEY CIVIL RIGHTS ACT BECOMES LAW

TRENTON - A measure sponsored by Senator Nia H. Gill that would create the "New Jersey Civil Rights Act" has been signed into law by the Governor.

"For far too long the citizens of New Jersey have not had a comprehensive procedural mechanism to vindicate their civil rights," said Senator Gill, D-Essex and Passaic ."This measure will allow for legal compensation for victims of civil rights discrimination on all levels, and fill in the gaps that exist under the current law."

Senator Gill's measure, S-1558, would authorize the Attorney General to bring suit against defendants who deprive discrimination victims of due process and equal protection under the color of law. The bill amends New Jersey 's Law Against Discrimination, and covers discrimination on the basis of religion, race, sexual orientation, age, marital status, sex and disability. It would also allow the Attorney General to bring legal action against persons who interfere with the legal process by issuing threats or any other type of intimidation or coercion. The measure would allow a judge or jury to impose civil penalties for civil rights violations.

"This is an important bill because it secures protection against discrimination for all New Jerseyans on the state level. For too long, too many New Jerseyans have had their civil rights violated. This measure may not totally alleviate the practice of civil rights discrimination; my hope though, is that the penalties it creates will cause offenders to think twice about their actions," said Senator Gill.

This measure was approved unanimously in the Senate on June 10, 2004.