NJ Gov. Chris Christie Vetoes Same Gender Marriage Bill

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chris-christie1Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a bill legalizing same gender marriage as promised on Friday, asking lawmakers instead to appoint an advocate for same-gender couples under the state’s existing civil union law.

Christie, a supporter of Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney and often mentioned as a potential vice-presidential candidate, had pledged to veto the measure for weeks, saying voters should settle the matter through a referendum.

As Christie vetoed the bill, lawmakers in Maryland debated a similar bill to legalize same gender marriage.

Already a contentious social issue, same gender marriage legislation has gained even more prominence ahead of November’s presidential elections, with advocates framing it as a civil rights issue and opponents saying marriage should be reserved for unions between a man and a woman.

The New Jersey governor asked lawmakers to create an ombudsman for civil unions of same gender couples who would “carry on New Jersey’s strong tradition of tolerance and fairness.”

“The ombudsman will be charged with increasing awareness of the law regarding civil unions, will provide a clear point of contact for those who have questions or concerns and will be required to report any evidence of the law being violated. In this way, we can ensure equal treatment under the law,” Christie said in a statement.

Same gender marriage advocates in New Jersey now face a difficult battle. The state Assembly passed legislation legalizing same gender nuptials on Thursday by a vote of 42 to 33, which affirmed an earlier Senate vote.

But Democrats do not currently appear to have enough votes to override a New Jersey veto with a two-thirds majority, though they have until the end of 2013 to try.

New Jersey’s Senate would need 27 votes, or three more than voted in favor of the bill on Monday, to override a veto. The Assembly would need to find another 12 votes to reach the required 54.

The issue could be settled by voters if put to a referendum; no U.S. state has ever approved same gender marriage in a referendum.

{Toronto Sun/Matzav.com Newscenter}


5 COMMENTS

  1. Baruch Hashem! It doesn’t make a difference what Christy’s motovation’s were. B”H it was stopped. This is a victory for HKB”H honor! Now let’s continue by voting in Storobin for NY State Senator over Fidler. Storobin will help overturn the filthy law in NY when he gets in.

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