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In a groundbreaking decision, the New Jersey Supreme Court has ruled in favor of same-sex marriage, affirming the right of all individuals to marry whomever they choose regardless of gender. The ruling came after years of legal battles and advocacy by LGBTQ+ rights organizations in the state.The case, known as Doe v. State of New Jersey, centered around a same-sex couple who had been denied a marriage license by their local county clerk. The couple, Jane Doe and Mary Smith, argued that New Jersey's ban on same-sex marriage violated their rights under the state constitution. After years of litigation, the case made its way to the state's highest court.In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court justices held that denying same-sex couples the right to marry amounted to unlawful discrimination based on sexual orientation. The court cited the state constitution's equal protection clause, which guarantees that all individuals are entitled to the same rights and protections under the law.Chief Justice Elena Rodriguez delivered the opinion of the court, stating, "Today, we affirm that the right to marry is a fundamental freedom that should be extended to all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation. The state has no legitimate interest in denying same-sex couples the same rights and privileges enjoyed by opposite-sex couples."The ruling was met with resounding applause from LGBTQ+ rights advocates, who hailed it as a major victory for equality and civil rights in the state. Many same-sex couples who had been waiting for the legal recognition of their relationships expressed joy and relief at the court's decision.Governor Samantha Patel also praised the ruling, calling it a "historic moment for New Jersey" and vowing to work towards further protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in the state. "Love is love, and no one should be denied the right to marry the person they love," she said in a statement.With this landmark ruling, New Jersey has joined a growing number of states across the country that have legalized same-sex marriage, reflecting a societal shift towards greater acceptance and inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals. The decision is sure to have far-reaching implications for future cases involving LGBTQ+ rights and constitutional law in the state.