WASHINGTON - Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, issued the following statement regarding New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine's signing of a civil unions bill into law today.

"Today is only the beginning in our journey to obtain full marriage equality for all Americans," said Solmonese. "Loving and devoted same-sex couples in New Jersey have finally received some of the legal recognitions they deserve. However, there remains much work to be done in order to ensure that this is not the end, but instead only a step on the road to full marriage equality.

"The Human Rights Campaign is proud of the work that Garden State Equality has done to identify and mobilize an ever-growing marriage equality electorate. On this historic day, we applaud their tireless work and recommit to stand side-by-side with them until full marriage equality is a reality in the Garden State," said Solmonese.

The Human Rights Campaign is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.