New Jersey's largest circulated
newspaper, The Star-Ledger, on Sunday called on Governor Chris
Christie to stop thwarting the progress of gay marriage in the state.
Christie has filed legal briefs
appealing a judge's decision legalizing gay nuptials in the state and
its October 21 start date.
(Related: New
Jersey Supreme Court agrees to hear gay marriage case.)
“For a Republican with presidential
aspirations, it's the predictable play,” the newspaper's editorial
board wrote. “Christie, however, should be more concerned with his
legacy. And that means acknowledging the nation's steady march
toward marriage equality and getting out of its way.”
The paper suggested that Christie could
“evolve” on the issue, like President Barack Obama did, or
reverse course, like Republican Senator Rob Portman did.
“Christie says New Jersey's best path
toward a marriage equality decision is to hold a referendum. That
gives Christie his political out – and leaves the basic rights of
gay people to the whims of a political campaign. The civil liberties
of a minority shouldn't be subject to majority rule.”
“The popular consensus on same-sex
marriage is inevitable,” the
board concluded. “Christie can position himself on the right
side of history, in this case, simply by getting out of its way.”