newjerseynewsroom.com

BY ADELE SAMMARCO

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

In a stunning about-face, Governor Christie now says let’s put it to a vote and make New Jerseyans decide on same- sex marriage in the November Presidential election when voter turnout is expected to be higher than usual.

The surprising revelation from the Governor emerged after Tuesday’s Town Hall in Bridgewater where Christie announced the hot button issue should go to a statewide referendum rather having politicians make the decision.

“The institution of marriage is too serious to be treated like a political football,” Christie said. “I would hope the Legislature would be willing to trust the people the way I’m willing to trust the people.”

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Christie went on to say, "I think this is not an issue that should rest solely in my hands, or the hands of the Senate President or the Speaker or the other 118 members of the Legislature," he said. "Let's let the people of New Jersey decide what is right for the state."

 Although Christie supports civil unions, he says he promises to veto the same-sex marriage bill if it ever reaches his desk.

The state’s Democrats tried t  o pass the measure two years ago, but failed. Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D) of Gloucester abstained from voting back then, but now calls it the, "biggest mistake of his political career".

Refusing a referendum of any kind, Sweeney said firmly, “We are not putting a civil rights issue to a vote.”

In order to pass the bill, the Senate needs 21 votes and a super-majority of 27 to override a veto by the Governor, a total that could be possible with four Republicans onboard. In the Assembly, eight Republicans would be needed by Democrats to reach a super-majority of 54 votes.

To get a referendum on the November ballot, lawmakers would need to pass a resolution by those super-majorities, or have two separate majority votes.

In the meantime, Garden State residents are coming out in support of the bill. Recent polls, including one released by Quinnipiac University last week according to the New York Times, found 52 percent of New Jersey voters believe same-sex couples should have the right to marry, and 53 percent believe denying them that right constituted discrimination.

Voters in 31 states across the nation have adopted constitutional amendments defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

Democrats, who control the New Jersey state Legislature, say the issue is about civil rights, fairness and equality, just as a woman's right to vote and anti-discrimination measures, and believe sensitive matters such as these do not belong on a ballot.

Not missing a beat, Governor Christie was quick to call his homeland a diverse state, by nominating an openly gay black man to the New Jersey State Supreme Court. During a press conference that followed Monday, the Governor said he would take a look at the gay marriage bill if it gained momentum, although adding he is still not inclined to change his overall position on the matter.