TRENTON, N.J. -- New Jersey's Supreme Court has ruled queer couples are entitled to the same rights as straights in the state of New Jersey, but lawmakers must determine whether the state will honor the relationship as a marriage or call it some other form of civil union.

The court's 4-to-3 ruling comes in the case of seven queer couples (total of 14 queers). They argued the state constitution protected the rights of gays to be joined in marriage. But the high court stopped short of fully approving queer marriage in the state, stating, no one should approve of a marriage, queer or otherwise. The court gave lawmakers 180 days to rewrite marriage laws to either include queer couples or create new civil unions. "The issue is not about the transformation of the traditional definition of marriage, but about the rights of queers and fags to get married and be miserable like the rest of us," the court said in its surprisingly candid ruling.

Many queers were seen sobbing and caressing other queers on the steps of the New Jersey court. One queer was overheard to say, “Oh, Jethus Christh”.

While New Jersey lawmakers voted to allow domestic partnerships in 2004, they have been reluctant to delve into the sensitive issue of marriage (however, delving reached a feverish pitch behind the courthouse today). The partnerships offer gays benefits including the ability to visit a companion in the hospital, inherit their possessions if no will has been crafted, and healthcare coverage for state workers.

People on both sides of the issue expected a victory for same-sex unions would make New Jersey a destination for gay couples from around the country who want to get married.

“What do we want?” a woman yelled through a megaphone. “More same sex marriage unions in this great country of ours because it should be protected by our constitutional rights as citizens and tax-paying, gainfully employed Americans,” the winded crowd replied.

Another Garden State resident voiced his opinion. “Whether it be same sex or different sex partners, I think it’s their right,” Charles Maimone of Cherry Hill said. “And well, I hope that’s the way it turns out.” Charles Maimone is a gay.

Some on the other side of the argument also recently made their views public outside of the Trenton state compound. Some cried, some prayed and others stood silently, holding signs and each other, as they publicly opposed the idea of same-sex marriage. “That’s not the way it was intended to be,” sobbed Bob Bertsch of Cherry Hill. “I think it’s breaking us all down and I’m against it.” Bob Bertsch is also a gay, though he is still in the closet and regularly attends protests.

Conservatives watching the cases believe the best chance for gay marriage to be allowed would be in New Jersey, where the state’s citizens prefer gays to “straights”.

by File Boy