This journalist received a message from Mr. Steven Goldstein, Executive Director of Garden State Equality, http://www.gardenstateequality.org/, asking for this journalist to call him as soon as she had a chance.

Upon calling, Mr. Goldstein reported that he and other members of Garden State Equality had been invited by a local business group, the Atlantic City Visitors and Information Authority (ACVIA), to visit with them recently.

So far as this journalist knows, there were no official reports of this meeting occurring nor was there disclosure of what was discussed.

Furthermore, the ACVIA has released no statement, to this journalist's knowledge, specifically condemning the resolution passed by the Atlantic County Chosen Freeholder Board.

Mr. Goldstein did mention that Atlantic County was one of the most "conservative" counties in a "very, very liberal state." He also stated that he met with Atlantic County Executive, Dennis Levinson, who is up for reelection this coming year, and that Mr. Levinson reportedly supports gay rights and civil unions.

Mr. Goldstein did not report why Mr. Levinson did not vote against, nor speak out against, the recent resolution passed unanimously by the Atlantic County Board of Chosen Freeholders. That resolution urges passage of state legislation that would exempt local officials from performing civil unions even if they conduct civil ceremonies for heterosexuals.

For the original article (updated 2/11/07 10am) see:

http://www.opednews.com/maxwrite/diarypage.php?did=2957