Just because a legislative proposal is rejected once doesn’t mean that lawmakers who support its cause won’t bring up the fight again. This is the case for same-sex marriage in New Jersey. A bill to legalize same-sex marriage was defeated in 2009, but a similar proposal will be on the table again this year.
According to The Wall Street Journal, New Jersey Democrats, along with the reported support from some Republican lawmakers, plan to fight Governor Chris Christie over the debated family law issue this year. Same-sex marriage advocates believe that they have the support they need this time around to get the bill through both houses of the Legislature.
It would be relatively surprising, however, for Gov. Christie to support the legalization of same-sex marriage in New Jersey. He has expressed his opinion on the matter in the past. Plus, he is currently offering his support toward potential Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who doesn’t believe that gay marriage should be legal.
Currently in New Jersey, civil unions are the legal option for same-sex couples. And Christie has expressed his support for this current setup. But for those who are fighting to legalize same-sex marriage, they see the matter as one of civil rights. They argue that homosexuals should be offered the same opportunities as heterosexual couples, including the right to marry.
The passion behind New Jersey’s push for same-sex marriage has likely been heightened since its neighboring New York legalized it last year. What do you think this matter will come to in New Jersey? Will gay marriage be legal here by this time next year?
Source
The Wall Street Journal: “N.J. Headed for Gay Marriage Battle,” Heather Haddon, Jan. 10, 2012
