Though gay and lesbian couples have the right to civil unions in New Jersey, the OGCMA claims it has a First Amendment right to deny civil union ceremonies in their boardwalk pavilion, where for decades heterosexual couples have celebrated the exchange of wedding vows.
See: Ocean Grove slaps gays in the face, Advocate.com.In this case, they have staked out the pavilion as a religious facility, a church by definition, in the midst of the tax exempt New Jersey open space.
A little background, Ocean Grove was a theocracy since it's founding in 1896 as a Christian summer retreat. Though the religious governance of Ocean Grove was abolished by a 1979 court ruling, many issues regarding the rights of residents have never been adequately addressed.
Prior to the court action, the town enforced strict blue laws with their own theocratic police force. Cars and shopping were strictly forbidden in town on Sundays and, of course, the beach was closed until 12:30 PM.
Today, residents pay both a leasehold fee to the OGCMA and property taxes to Neptune Township. The township never made a claim on the community's open spaces including several parks and the beach, but it does provide all municipal services including police protection, road maintenance and garbage disposal.
I believe the OGCMA should remedy this situation in one of two ways: Abjure their New Jersey Green Acres Tax Exemption and pay all their back taxes. This would allow the organization to run the beach anyway they wish within the confines of state beach access law. Or, allow beach access, paid or otherwise, on Sunday mornings.
I am disappointed that the ACLU, which has done so much to preserve our constitutional freedoms, made a decision to forego this important case where taxpayer money is used to the public detriment.(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
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