Yesterday the New Jersey Assembly voted 41 to 33 to pass a bill to legalize same-sex marriage. The New Jersey Senate voted earlier this week in favor of the legislation. Republican Governor Chris Christie has vowed to veto the measure. In order to override Christie’s veto, 27 votes would be necessary in the state Senate and 54 in the Assembly.
Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese, stated, “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. 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.”
Currently, New Jersey, Illinois, Rhode Island, Delaware, and Hawaii recognize same-sex civil unions. Same-sex couples can obtain marriage licenses in Washington, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, and Washington, DC.
New York Times 2/16/12; Feminist Daily Newswire 2/14/12
