Squashing Equality

NJ Gov Chris Christie Vetoes Same-Sex Marriage Bill

LGBT Issues – New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has, as he promised to do, vetoed the same-sex marriage bill which had passed the General Assembly on Thursday.

It’s not completely over yet though. Lawmakers have until January 2014 to “override Christie’s veto,” however they will need a “two-thirds majority in both houses to succeed.”

While many say that marriage equality is a civil rights issue and should be decided by the State, Christie insists that the decision should be decided by the voters and wants the issue put to a referendum.

I continue to encourage the Legislature to trust the people of New Jersey and seek their input by allowing our citizens to vote on a question that represents a profoundly significant societal change,” Christie said in a statement. “I have been just as adamant that same-sex couples in a civil union deserve the very same rights and benefits enjoyed by married couples, as well as the strict enforcement of those rights and benefits.

According to a recent Quimipiac University poll, “fifty-two percent of state voters approve the measure,” and in light of these numbers the outlook seems positive for marriage equality if Christie pushes for a vote.

Still, gay rights groups are disappointed in Christie’s veto, even though they expected it, and have “pledged to override it.”

“By vetoing the bill that would ensure that all loving, committed New Jersey couples and their families can share in the freedom to marry, with all its protections and meaning, Governor Christie planted his feet firmly on the wrong side of history,” said Evan Wolfson, president of the group Freedom to Marry.

In other news, the Maryland House of Delegates “voted 71-67 to legalize same-sex marriage,” however no Senate vote has been scheduled as of yet. Sadly, like New Jersey, “opponents of the measure have pressed to take the matter to a statewide referendum.”

Support continues to grow for equality among all citizens on a daily basis, and hopefully more states will be joining Massachusetts, Vermont, Washington State, New York, Iowa, Connecticut, and the District of Columbia, in legalizing same-sex marriages.

Read more at CNN.