The National Organization for Marriage
(NOM) has condemned passage of a gay marriage bill in New Jersey.
The New Jersey Assembly on Thursday
approved the bill after lawmakers held a lengthy and emotional
debate, just days after the Senate approved marriage equality.
The historic votes did not sit well
with NOM, the nation's most vociferous opponent of gay marriage,
which once called New Jersey home.
“Democrats in the New Jersey Assembly
today walked off a cliff when they decided to redefine marriage to
accommodate the political demands of same-sex couples,” NOM
President Brian Brown said in a statement. “They have ensured
themselves of the united opposition of people of faith when they next
face voters.”
Brown also praised Governor Chris
Christie's promised “swift” veto of the measure.
“We are grateful to have a principled
Governor in Chris Christie who has pledged to veto this legislation,”
Brown said.
Brown added that his group would work
to defeat the reelection efforts of lawmakers who voted for the
measure.
“Redefining marriage is not going to
happen in New Jersey. NOM will join with the community of faith and
all conservatives to ensure that every legislator who voted to kick
God's definition of marriage to the curb pays the ultimate price when
they face voters. We will not forget this betrayal of marriage.”