NJ Democrats Name Gay Marriage Bill as Top Priority

[w8liftinglady]

http://www.wnyc.org/articles/wnyc-news/2012/jan/09/nj-democrats-names-gay-marriage-bill-top-priority/

Democratic leaders in the Senate and Assembly say sending the governor a gay marriage bill will be a top priority in the new legislative session.

The leaders gathered Monday — the last day of the 2011 Legislative session — to announce a push they say begins on the first day of the new session Tuesday.

"Marriage equality is not about religion," Senate President Steve Sweeney said. " It's about civil rights. It's about everyone having the same rights to marriage and to be happy and make choices, just like I've made; just like a lot of us have made."

Sweeney says he regrets that he didn't support a gay marriage bill that failed two years ago.

"We made a mistake and I can tell you I'm going to fix that."

If it were to pass, New Jersey would become the seventh state to recognize same-sex marriage. Republican Governor Chris Christie has said he doesn't support it, but it's passage would require him to veto something that polls show has a majority of support in the state.

[JackBeck]

1. It will be the first bill introduced in the Senate and Assembly, with a vote expected by March.

It also has bipartisan support in both Houses of the NJ Legislature, with Republicans on record that they would vote to override a Christie veto.

I was at the press conference today and almost fainted when Congressman Rush Holt said 'hello' to me. I have a huge crush on him and for some reason always get flustered when I talk to him.

[Fearless]

2. Excellent!

[Rowdyboy]

3. Interesting that they make the push now when they're assured Republican Gov Christie will veto it

instead of two years ago when Democratic Gov Corzine would have signed it. It seems suspiciously like political posturing to me but I really don't know much about the dynamics of New Jersey politics. It just looks like a "day late and a dollar short" once again.

Maybe I'm wrong but I've become very cautious about applauding politicians, even when they do something I like.

[William769]

4. Fantastic!