Chris Christie should step aside on gay marriage, New Jersey's largest daily says
Mon. October 14, 2013 10:04 AM by OnTopMag.com
Trenton, NJ -
New Jersey's largest circulated newspaper, The Star-Ledger, on Sunday called on Governor Chris Christie to stop thwarting the progress of gay marriage in the state.
Christie has filed legal briefs appealing a judge's decision legalizing gay nuptials in the state and its October 21 start date.
(Related: New Jersey Supreme Court agrees to hear gay marriage case.)
"For a Republican with presidential aspirations, it's the predictable play," the newspaper's editorial board wrote. "Christie, however, should be more concerned with his legacy. And that means acknowledging the nation's steady march toward marriage equality and getting out of its way."
The paper suggested that Christie could "evolve" on the issue, like President Barack Obama did, or reverse course, like Republican Senator Rob Portman did.
"Christie says New Jersey's best path toward a marriage equality decision is to hold a referendum. That gives Christie his political out – and leaves the basic rights of gay people to the whims of a political campaign. The civil liberties of a minority shouldn't be subject to majority rule."
"The popular consensus on same-sex marriage is inevitable," the board concluded. "Christie can position himself on the right side of history, in this case, simply by getting out of its way."
Christie has filed legal briefs appealing a judge's decision legalizing gay nuptials in the state and its October 21 start date.
(Related: New Jersey Supreme Court agrees to hear gay marriage case.)
"For a Republican with presidential aspirations, it's the predictable play," the newspaper's editorial board wrote. "Christie, however, should be more concerned with his legacy. And that means acknowledging the nation's steady march toward marriage equality and getting out of its way."
The paper suggested that Christie could "evolve" on the issue, like President Barack Obama did, or reverse course, like Republican Senator Rob Portman did.
"Christie says New Jersey's best path toward a marriage equality decision is to hold a referendum. That gives Christie his political out – and leaves the basic rights of gay people to the whims of a political campaign. The civil liberties of a minority shouldn't be subject to majority rule."
"The popular consensus on same-sex marriage is inevitable," the board concluded. "Christie can position himself on the right side of history, in this case, simply by getting out of its way."
Article provided in partnership with On Top Magazine