New Jersey: Marriage equality could pump $119 million into economy

A new study from the Williams Institute finds that New Jersey could generate as much as $119 million in just the first three years of marriage equality, including as much as $8 million in pure tax revenue.

By vetoing the legislation, Gov. Chris Christie (R) deprived his entire state of that economic benefit, but the legislature has until the end of 2013 to overturn that veto.
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New Jersey: Support for marriage equality jumps again

According to a Quinnipiac University poll released today, support for full marriage equality in New Jersey continues to climb.

The poll showed backing for same-sex marriage in the Garden State climbed to a new high, 57 percent in favor compared to 37 percent opposed. The day after the state Senate passed a bill supporting gay marriage, a Rutgers-Eagleton poll released on Feb. 14 showed 54 percent of New Jerseyans favor gay marriage compared to 35 percent against.

Gov. Chris Christie vetoes marriage equality in New Jersey

Gov. Chris Christie has followed through on his promise to reject a bill allowing same-sex marriage in New Jersey by quickly vetoing the measure Friday and renewing his call for a ballot question to decide the issue.

The veto came a day after the state Assembly passed the bill. The state Senate had passed it on Monday. Christie, a Republican who opposes same-sex marriage, had vowed "very swift action" once the measure reached his desk.

In returning the bill to the Legislature, Christie reaffirmed his view that voters should decide whether to change the definition of marriage in New Jersey. His veto also proposed creating an ombudsman to oversee compliance with the state's civil union law, which same-sex couples have said is flawed and promotes discrimination.

"I am adhering to what I've said since this bill was first introduced — an issue of this magnitude and importance, which requires a constitutional amendment, should be left to the people of New Jersey to decide," Christie said in a statement.

Senate President Steve Sweeney was blunt in his criticism of the governor.

"He had a chance to do the right thing, and failed miserably," Sweeney said.

Steven Goldstein, chairman of the state's largest gay rights group, Garden State Equality, said Christie's national political ambitions guided his action.

"He won't veto the bill because he's anti-gay," Goldstein said in a statement issued before the veto was issued Friday. "He'll veto the bill because the 2016 South Carolina presidential primary electorate is anti-gay."

Goldstein, who said he has a cordial relationship with the governor, promised to continue fighting him vigorously on the issue. "And we will win, so help me God," he said.

New Jersey marriage equality - what can YOU do?

Elected New Jersey legislators passed marriage equality, but Gov. Christie has promised a veto. What can you do to ensure equality in the Garden State?

The host of For & Against, Jim Morrison, reacts to the New Jersey legislature's passage of marriage equality with a list of ways regular folks can help make a difference.

Call Gov. Christie and voice your support. Calls matter! 609-292-600

Call the two Democratic state senators who voted against equality and ask them to change their vote:

Sen. Rice - 973-371-5665
Sen. Van Drew - 609-465-0700

And talk to everyone you know in New Jersey. Talk, listen, and reach out.

That's what you can do.

New Jersey legislators pass marriage equality

New Jersey lawmakers have passed a bill that would provide same-sex couples the right to wed - a move put forth in defiance of the state's Republican governor, who's vowed to veto the measure and has instead called for a referendum to settle the issue.

State assembly members on Thursday voted 42-33, with two members abstaining, in favor of the "Marriage Equality and Religious Exemption Act." The Senate approved the measure on Monday by a 24 to 16 count.

But Gov. Chris Christie has said the issue "should not be decided by 121 people in the statehouse in Trenton."

The governor is expected to "act swiftly" to knock it down when the bill reaches his desk, said Michael Drewniak, a spokesman for Christie.

Recent polling, meanwhile, suggests that New Jersey voters are in favor of legalizing such unions.

Fifty-two percent of state voters approve the measure, according to a recent Quinnipiac University poll.

Reactions from pro-LGBT organizations:

Freedom To Marry:
"Sadly, Governor Chris Christie has planted his feet on the wrong side of history, and the wrong side of the majority for marriage in New Jersey and nationwide. If the governor sticks with his threat of a veto, Freedom to Marry will work throughout the entire remainder of the legislative session, supporting local families, leaders, and advocates as they make the case and win the extra handful of votes needed to override the veto and do right by these families."

Human Rights Campaign:
"Today, the New Jersey State Legislature sent a powerful message that all its citizens should be treated equally under the law, and that all families deserve the same protections,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “Governor Christie may veto this legislation, but he is out of step with the majority of voters on this issue. We will not give up until marriage equality becomes a reality in New Jersey. HRC has been proud to partner with Garden State Equality (GSE) in achieving this historic legislative victory."

More at CNN.com

New Jersey: Senate approves gay marriage bill

New Jersey lawmakers in the state Senate passed a bill legalizing gay marriage for the first time Monday, despite Gov. Chris Christie's insistence that he will veto such legislation.

The Senate's 24-16 vote sends the bill to the Assembly, which is expected to pass it on Thursday.

Six states and Washington, D.C., allow gay marriage, and Washington state will be added to that list when Gov. Christine Gregoire signs legislation legalizing same-sex marriage Monday.

Christie, a Republican, has said he does not believe marriage laws should be changed but does support New Jersey's civil union law, which grants gay couples the legal protections of marriage.

Christie said he wants to put a change in the definition of marriage to a public vote.  But gay rights groups oppose a referendum. They see gay marriage as a civil rights matter and argue that it should not be up to the masses to protect the rights of a minority group.