Christie Veto Derails N.J. Gay Marriage Push
State lawmakers have signed off on the effort but the governor says the matter should be decided by a popular vote.
| Posted Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, at 12:21 PM
Photo by Michael N. Todaro/Getty Images.
UPDATE: As expected, Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie quickly vetoed a bill that would have legalized marriage between same-sex couples six hours after it reached his desk Friday, reports the Star-Ledger. Christie called on lawmakers to appoint an ombudsman to make sure that same-sex couples have all the same rights as married couples through the state’s civil unions law.
Friday, Feb. 17: New Jersey lawmakers signed off on a bill Thursday that would legalize same-sex marriage in the state—but the effort is expected to run head first into a roadblock when it reaches Gov. Chris Christie's desk.
The Romney backer and potential vice presidential candidate has promised to veto it, saying that the issue should instead be decided by a public referendum
Reuters reports that the measure cleared the state Assembly on Thursday with a relatively narrow 42-33 majority. Unlike the Senate vote, in which two Republicans voted for the bill, Assembly support was made up entirely of Democrats. Both chambers appear to lack the two-thirds support needed to override a veto.
Christie's office has not yet commented on the bill since its passage, but the governor preemptively promised to table the discussion until the next election, saying that New Jersey residents would be happier with a majority vote.
