Gay rights group are cheering passage
of a gay marriage bill in New Jersey, and jeering Governor Chris
Christie's promise to veto the measure.
After a lengthy and emotional debate,
the New Jersey Assembly on Thursday approved the bill with a 42 to 33
vote.
“Since Stonewall, we have been on a
40-year journey toward our freedom,” Steve Goldstein, CEO and chair
of Garden State Equality, said in a statement. “Today, the
legislature has brought us to the edge of the promised land. We know
the governor won't let us enter, we finally behold the view of our
dreams and we will never turn back.”
Kate Kendell, executive director of The
National Center for Lesbian Rights, urged Christie to sign the bill
into law.
“We urge Gov. Christie to demonstrate
the courage his office demands and sign the bill that the elected
representatives of the people of New Jersey support,” Kendell said.
“By doing so he will strengthen the families, culture, and future
of his state.”
Evan Wolfson of Freedom to Marry
agreed, saying Christie “has planted his feet on the wrong side of
history, and the wrong side of the majority for marriage in New
Jersey and nationwide.”
“If the governor sticks with his
threat of a veto, Freedom to Marry will work throughout the entire
remainder of the legislative session, supporting local families,
leaders, and advocates as they make the case and win the extra
handful of votes need to override the veto and do right by these
families.”