New Jersey legislature passes gay marriage; bill now awaits Christie's veto
Thu. February 16, 2012 11:32 PM by GoPride.com News Staff
Newark, N.J. -
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie now has the gay marriage bill that he has said he will veto.
The NJ State Assembly approved the bill on Thursday in a 42 to 33 vote.
The State Senate approved the bill on Monday.
Christie has said that New Jersey residents should vote on the issue.
"We can make a giant leap forward today in the fight against one of the last legalized barriers to equal rights," said Rep. Sheila Oliver.
The New York Times reported that Christie basically dismissed the legislature's efforts as pointless.
"[It's] an exercise in theater," he said. "I've given them an alternative. Put it on the ballot and let the people decide."
Gay marriage is currently supported by more than half of New Jersey voters -- at least that's what polls show. But referendums are based on who shows up to vote, not who answers a pollster's questions.
The NJ State Assembly approved the bill on Thursday in a 42 to 33 vote.
The State Senate approved the bill on Monday.
Christie has said that New Jersey residents should vote on the issue.
"We can make a giant leap forward today in the fight against one of the last legalized barriers to equal rights," said Rep. Sheila Oliver.
The New York Times reported that Christie basically dismissed the legislature's efforts as pointless.
"[It's] an exercise in theater," he said. "I've given them an alternative. Put it on the ballot and let the people decide."
Gay marriage is currently supported by more than half of New Jersey voters -- at least that's what polls show. But referendums are based on who shows up to vote, not who answers a pollster's questions.