Toeivah Marriage Supporters, Opponents Pack N.J. Statehouse for Hearing

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toeivah-protestMore than a thousand supporters of toeivah marriage surrounded the NJ Statehouse today before filing into the Statehouse Annex and making a beeline for the Senate Judiciary Committee for what is expected to be a long, contentious hearing.

“I came to support my daughter because all my other children are married,” said Anne Peterpaul, 77, of Allenhurst.

Opponents of the measure also came out in droves. A group of frum Yidden protesting the bill’s passage were gathering in the Statehouse halls. A car outside the Statehouse was adorned with posters that read “No to [toeivah] marriage” and urged people to call lawmakers.

Dressed up as George Washington, Rev. Martin Lombardo of Jesus Cares Ministries in Princeton walked down State Street in Trenton holding a sign that read: “George and Martha Washington. Marriage choice was God’s way.”

The state Senate’s Judiciary Committee is set to consider allowing the marriages this afternoon. If the bill clears the committee, the measure could be up for a vote in the full Senate Thursday.

The hearing is expected to broadcast live on the state’s website.

The bill would also need to be passed in the Assembly, though no vote has been scheduled.

Proponents are pushing to pass it because Gov. Jon Corzine has said he would sign it. Gov.-elect Chris Christie, who takes office in January, says he would veto it.

Four states allow toeivah marriage. New Hampshire is to join them on Jan. 1.

The city council in Washington D.C. is expected to allow it there later this month.

{Star Ledger/Matzav.com Newscenter}


1 COMMENT

  1. New Jersey lawmakers should understand
    that they will be voted out of office
    if they dare disregard the traditional
    beliefs of the electorate.

    It is disgraceful that they are wasting
    their time on such nonsense.

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