For nearly two decades, Garden State Equality has led the fight for equality in New Jersey, becoming one of the most successful statewide civil rights organizations for the LGBTQ+ community in the nation. In 2004, Garden State Equality was founded to bring marriage equality to New Jersey. Through an overwhelming amount of public support and tireless organizing, Garden State Equality became the state’s largest LGBTQ+ organization.
In 2013, Garden State Equality v. Dow finally brought marriage equality to New Jersey. The years between our founding and the right to marry were filled with historic legislative accomplishments, including the passage of the Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act, which at the time was the most comprehensive anti-bullying policy in the nation.
In collaboration with community partners, Garden State Equality has passed over 225 pro-equality laws, from the formation of a statewide Transgender Equality Task Force to an LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum law covering all subject areas—both the first of their kind in the nation.