Action will follow Senate vote on Feb. 13

BY TOM HESTER SR.

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver (D-Essex) announced Monday that the Assembly will vote on legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in New Jersey on Feb. 16.

The vote will follow the Senate vote on the measure, which is set for Feb. 13.

Oliver said the legislation was discussed during the lower house's Democratic caucus. “We had a great conversation today about marriage equality and several other important matters,” she said. “I look forward to the Assembly voting on Feb. 16 to give the marriage equality legislation final legislative approval.”

The Democratic-sponsored bill is expected to win approval in the Democratic-controlled Senate and Assembly but Republican Gov. Chris Christie has vowed to veto it. The governor has called for a referendum on the November ballot that would let voters decide if same-sex marriage should be legalized. Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney (D-Gloucester) said last week the Legislature will not send Christie a referendum bill.