Civil union is less than marriage. Marriage is a sacred and valued institution and ought to be afforded equal protection.

Civil union is less than marriage. Marriage is a sacred and valued institution and ought to be afforded equal protection.

We are losing sight of civility in government and politics. Debate and dialogue is taking a back seat to the politics of destruction and anger and control. Dogma has replaced thoughtful discussion between people of differing views.

My truth is that I am a gay American.

I do not believe that God tortures any person simply for its own sake. I believe that God enables all things to work for the greater good.

We need to seek wise leaders who will seek common ground among Americans instead of dividing us further for political gain. As citizens, we must embrace those who embrace ideas, thoughtfulness, civility and kindness to others no matter what their political beliefs.

As I climbed the electoral ladder - from state assemblyman to mayor of Woodbridge and finally to governor of New Jersey - political compromises came easy to me because I'd learned how to keep a part of myself innocent of them.