New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on
Friday vetoed a gay marriage bill approved by lawmakers, the Los
Angeles Times reported.
The New Jersey Assembly approved
the measure on Thursday, and the Senate on Monday.
“I am adhering to what I've said
since this bill was first introduced – an issue of this magnitude
and importance, which requires a constitutional amendment, should be
left to the people of New Jersey to decide,” Christie said in a
statement.
He added that putting the issue up for
a vote was the “best way to resolve the issue of same-sex marriage
in our state.”
Christie was expected to veto the bill;
he pledged he would do so last month during a town hall meeting.
But Christie might not have the last
word.
Democratic Senate President Stephen
Sweeney said he would work to override the governor's veto.
“Governor Christie's veto is a
shameful act hidden behind the guise of a public referendum. Today,
he firmly planted his feet on the wrong side of history,” Sweeney
said in a statement. “He had a chance to do the right thing, and
failed miserably.”
Lawmakers have nearly 2 years to grow a
two-thirds majority vote in each chamber to override Christie's veto.