UC Davis research on gay families was used in the New Jersey Supreme Court's Oct. 25 ruling that same-sex couples must be afforded equal statutory rights and opportunities as those of heterosexuals.

In her opinion, New Jersey Chief Justice Deborah Poritz referenced an article by UC Davis psychology professor Gregory Herek, an authority on prejudice against lesbians and gay men. That article provided a scientific foundation to her opinion that same-sex families provide as stable a setting for child-rearing as heterosexual couples.

Published in the September 2006 issue of American Psychologist, the flagship journal of the American Psychological Association, Herek's article reviewed recent behavioral and social science studies on same-sex couples to assess the validity of the many assumed facts within the national debate.

Regardless of whether children are raised in heterosexual or homosexual households, researchers have not found significant differences in their mental health or social adjustment, Herek reported.

Furthermore, he said a lack of full marriage rights in a society hinders a couple's ability to maintain a stable family environment.

In its decision, New Jersey's high court directed the state legislature to create equal benefits for same-sex couples, a mandate that is roughly in line with the recommendations set forth by Herek, based on his review of the research literature.

However, the court did not find a constitutional basis to protect a gay person's equal right to marriage; rather, it allowed for civil unions similar to those offered in Vermont.

"The decision is an important step toward establishing equal rights for same-sex couples, but it also reflects the high levels of ambivalence that many heterosexuals have concerning marriage equality," Herek said of the court's mixed message.

Then again, he said, "Ten years ago, such a ruling would have seemed impossible."