TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Republican Governor Chris Christie on Friday afternoon vetoed a bill approved by the state legislature that would legalize same-sex marriage — just six hours after it reached his desk.
Chris Christie
Christie had publicly promised swift action with a veto on the bill, and has said that he feels the issue should be settled in a state-wide ballot referendum by the voters.
“I have been just as adamant that same-sex couples in a civil union deserve the very same rights and benefits enjoyed by married couples — as well as the strict enforcement of those rights and benefits,” Christie said in a prepared statement, and suggested that an ombudsman be appointed to address complaints that New Jersey’s same-sex civil union law be strengthened.
“Discrimination should not be tolerated and any complaint alleging a violation of a citizen’s right should be investigated and, if appropriate, remedied,” he said.
“Thousands and thousands of New Jersey families are denied financial security, health security and fundamental equal rights every day because of a failed civil union experiment,” said Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald (D-Bergen), in criticizing the governor’s veto.
“And yet in spite of their second-class citizenship, the governor single handedly — through the stroke of his pen — seeks to codify discrimination against them,” said Greenwald.
Christie continued push his suggestion of the gay marriage issue to a referendum in November to allow New Jersey voters to decide. Republicans fell in line with his recommendation; not a single Republican present in the Assembly on Thursday voted for the marriage equality bill, reported the New Jersey Star-Ledger.
Just two years after voting the bill down, the state Senate on Monday passed the measure 24-16, with two Republicans crossing the aisle.
Gay rights activists say they will now work to secure the necessary votes for an override by the Jan. 14, 2014, deadline — the end of this legislative session. They’ll need nearly a dozen more votes in the Assembly and a handful in the Senate.
Freedom to Marry, a marriage equality advocacy group, reacted by saying Christie has “planted his feet firmly on the wrong side of history.”
“Fortunately, his ‘no’ will not be America’s – or New Jersey’s – last word. It is simply an obstacle we overcome as we continue on the road to liberty and justice for all,” said Freedom to Marry founder and President Evan Wolfson, in a statement.
A Rutgers-Eagleton poll released on Tuesday shows that 54 percent of New Jersey voters support marriage equality for same-sex couples.
Related articles:
New Jersey Democrats to try to override veto on same-sex marriage
NJ Poll: Voters support same-sex marriage, but want to decide it at the ballot box
NJ Governor Chris Christie on same- sex marriage: 'I won't compromise'
Garden State Equality on Christie's veto of NJ marriage equality bill
New Jersey state Assembly passes historic same-sex marriage legislation
New Jersey state Senate approves same-sex marriage bill
Filed under: New Jersey
Linda Harvey: Gay news sites trick kids into becoming gay
Wash. florist who refused flowers for gay couple’s wedding files suit against state
Pastor: Homosexuality ‘has destroyed every civilization it has touched’
Texas judge enforces ‘morality clause’ to split up lesbian couple
Catholic school: Transgender student must wear girl’s graduation gown
Another Ore. bakery refuses to provide wedding cake for same-sex couple
Graham threatens to pull support from immigration bill if gays are included
Matt Barber tweets homophobic cartoon of gay man tricking Boy Scout into sex
Russian police confirm man was tortured to death because he was gay
Police arrest two men in beating of gay men in New York City
Parents sue S.C. hospital over child’s gender assignment surgery
Scottish cardinal to atone for sexual misconduct with younger clergy
BREAKING: Minn. governor signs marriage equality bill — ‘Love is the law’
Everything is bigger in Texas – even the homophobia
Pa. school still refuses to announce transgender grad by his chosen name
time to send Christie to the unemployment line. c’mon voters.
yep especially since he was out with, um wrestlers, at the time of the vote.
what a fat bastard!
He thinks it should be voted on … where would civil rights be if they had been voted on in the 60′s??? Right is right !!!
What a douche bag!!
Like we didn’t see that coming!
Guess he didn’t wanna get reelected
look at him he’s just jealous that he is too fat for guys to like him anyway
He needs to choke on hamburgers !
yet he’s wearing a pink tie in this picture. hahaha makes me laugh. i bet he scored major brownie points with santorum.
he is on the wrong side of history. ironically, he favored flags being flown half staff for Whitney Houston which was opposed by many. hypocritical, I feel…
I knew that Big Fat SLOB would do that!!
Why are people so against this? I mean come on who’s it gonna hurt.
I am amazed that history has taught these morons nothing! Doesn’t this idiot realize that in 20 years (or less) he will be considered in the same light as we now view George Wallace? It amazes me that people can be so blinded by bigotry.
after he is impeached, he can always try out for Rupaul’s drag race next season
yea what an S.O.B!
He’s not an SOB.. just an ambitious coward.
Right.. it has nothing to do with them… if they are against gay marriage, they should just not marry a gay person. It’s just hard heartedness.
This is horrible and he is truly on the wrong side of history
This is the thing I don’t understand about people SO OFFENDED by marriage equality.
Are these people really misguided enough to think that we will have the time and energy to “turn”homophobes and their precious families gay if this bill is passed?
Sorry, but we have better things to do than waste our time brainwashing bigots.
You know, like, being an honest law abiding citizens like everyone else, for example.
Fucking damn it! >.< we were so close!!
my question…the hrc knew this going into pushing this he would veto it..so i’m wondering why they put money and time into it…there has to be a bigger picture here.
Hate Christie…fucking douche
OK, who forgot to write the bill on a Krispy Kreme box?
jerk
He’s very religious. You can tell by the way he treats his body as a temple…well a barn.
Oh, fuck you, Christie.
that is because he is a republican idiot and doesn’t have a clue.
It’ll happen, I know that Jersey is home to a lot of people, but if i comes down to it, a mass exodus may need to happen to get the hint.
He’s so intimidated by his party, he didn’t dare let it go un-vetoed!
The only thing he has the right to veto is Mcdonalds
Cuz he’s a fat fuck piece of shit douchebag trying desperately to conceal his ardent homosexual tendencies.
What a maroon.
Chris Christie, Victor Victoria, Glen or Glenda?
He’s such a piece of shit.
Get used to saying “do you want fries with that!” You do look like George Wallacee Just a lot more baggage!!!!
One person should not have that much power its tyrannical.The USA is a republic that’s supposed to protect its citizens from this type of oppression.
I think a protest and boycott of all things Jersey are in order
Christie is a lemming of the GOP. We need to clean the crap out of the house in 2012, and the big pile of crap out of NJ in 2013.
Disappointing!
Can we criticize the man for his misguided policies and NOT on his appearance? Doing so reinforces the stereotype that we are a shallow community focused more on looks than substance. It’s also exceptionally offensive to fat people.
Vote him out and call him and tell him he wont be voted for and why.
cause he sucks
Gov. Christie had the opportunity to make a positive statement for the people of N.J., instead he cowered to the Catholic church and the Republican party and his own aspirations to be President in 2016.
jack wagon!
DISLIKE BUTTON!
now to override. let’s pick up the pace Garden State!
what a dick n then he got a pink tie on!
hang in there NJ, it will happen! Keep fighting!
this guy just hates like because of his last name….LoL!….so he is picking on US. What a Jerk!
CHRISTIE IS AN AHOLE!!!!
what a jackass
LOL people are STUPID
I AGREE WITH HARRY..LETS OVER RIDE HIM JERSEY PPL
I’m surprised he hasn’t keeled over from a heart attack, that fat piece of shit.
What and ignorant lard arse..Put him back in the water before he rots..LOFL!!!
He is a disgusting blob of selfishness. Right down to the food on the table.
Like most Reoublican’ts, HE SUCKS ASS!
out the hater!
That’s because Chris Christie is a closet queen!!!
u can keep over turning it…give up idiots cause ITS NOT GOING TO STOP IT WILL BE LEGAL ALL OVER…..destroy the “meaning” of marriage IF U FUCKERS DIDNT NOTICE ……U STRAIGHT BITCHS CHEAT ON UR WIFES BEAT THEM USE THEM …..MORE THAN GAYS …U DIVORCE …MORE THAN GAYS!!!!!!! YOU DESTROYED MARRAGE! NOT US!
THE FUCK IS THIS BULLSHIT?!
He’s a Republican…What did you expect?
hang a twinky in front of his face
I’m just waiting for him to be outed.
My mommy says politicians are fairgame when it comes to insulting them on any level. =)
fat baster
hope we can override it
he does not remember that glbt population vote…
“Henh,at least Shamu only has one blow hole”-Walter
TYPICAL FRAKEN AMERICAN….STUPID SHIT! GOD ……makes me wanna smack the fuck out of al u hateful suns a bitches ! karama will get u!
Fuck you very very mu-u-u-ch…
As someone who currently lives in NJ, and always DEPISED this man, I hate having another reason to dislike him. Excuse my childish name calling, but… Fatty Fat McFatterson!
hes an asshole and should be removed from office just like the rest of the politicians
Hey,i’m American Joseph…Not all us are as bad a Christie.
What a douche…
And i highly doubt you would smack me.
Well, time to get a 2/3 majority override, because, even at 13 I know one person shouldn’t be able to decide what “love” is
lol ….let me inform u …first off shut the fuck up i was implying to people LIKE HIM
sec trust me id do more than smack u id knock u on ur ass and come up with a good convinceing story of how u got knocked the fuck out!
Idiot
Good day to u sir!
what a cunt
LOL@ Jess. No need to say sorry, I’m sure a large population in NJ feel that way.
c’mon people does it really surprises you? not every governor is going to receive equality, when it comes to same sex unions, with open arms. Remember the people elect their governors? you want it to change? don’t vote for him and vote for someone who will help your case. It doesn’t matter if the person is democrat or republican. Stop blinding yourself with red or blue and lets start electing people who will work and fight for all.
It’s completely shocking to me that it’s 2012 and the gay community still cant get married in most of the world??? Are you fucking kidding me. Get the fuck over it! Everybody deserves rights! Why even take the time to discriminate? Love everybody for who they are!!!
Everyone fighting…chill the fuck out!
I dont want someone who’s going to tell others “you can’t marry the one you love” …. just like I don’t want someone who tells me “you can’t pray because you’re offending me” … lets start electing smart people.
Joseph,you don’t scare me Junior…Besides,your siting behind a computer…How tough are u really.
Are you trying to over-compensate for smaller things there,possibly?
He should have our it to a referendum
This is BULLSHIT. Love is love.
Alies need to get together and over turn this one in NJ. Then we will work together to support the MD law to make sure it is sustained when they try to overturn it in Nov., which they will try.
:) if u only knew …..anyway i got better things to do than fight with someone i dont know nor care to know so um :) yes BYE BYE
loser
@Cassy Lee..Was just punking the Troll thass all..Not gonna fight anyone…No intent to offend you,Cassy.
Peace.
Oh for crying out loud. It’s obvious he’s a bigoted conservative. There are too many bigots in positions of power. Wonder how many times he’s been married?
JN Legislature… now its time to show you actually have balls (or ovaries!) and exercise your checks and balances privilege and OVERRIDE the gov!
Coward
where’s the dislike button?
He is next door to New York. They will just go across to New York.
Just as a side note, it doesn’t matter what the laws are, we’re still going to love, fuck and commit to one another.
christie knws he will be hated by over half of his state
With his thinking….Maybe we should go back to Separate but equal schools for white kids and black kids in the south as well. oh wait that right Brown v. Board of Education Handed down on May 17, 1954 in a unanimous (9–0) decision that we cant have separate but Equal its unconstitutional. But then again Thank god it wasn’t up to him to decide if interracial marriage should be legal as dated June 12, 1967 United States Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, declared Virginia’s anti-miscegenation statute, the “Racial Integrity Act of 1924″, unconstitutional. Hence making it interracial marriage legal. We will get there lets just get this to the Supreme Court already!!!!! ******OK STEPPING OF SOAP BOX NOW*******
douchebag
They should have placed a box of Twinkies on top of the bill before hand & I’m sure he would have signed in our favor.
That’s why no one wants to live in nj
Dislike button needed…that’s some BS right there…..
Bitch needs to veto them hamburgers with his big queen ass.
Evil man
he should really just come out of the closet, nice “pink” tie he is wearing. ;)
but he’s man enough to wear a pink tie
fucking bastard. u know the thing about evolving, is that evolution moves forward… not backward. people who try to interfere with progress and positive change, are just temporarily slowing it down. but they wont be able to stop it in the long run. you cant mess with nature mr governor.
U know Christie is drinkin’ his Hater-ade. That cockblocker! His veto will get overturned.
BOOOOO on Governor Christie…
Despite me being upset about this, and not surprised, I think we should respect his decision, not everyone will have the same opinion.
I totally agree w the majority love is love even though I live in VA and I’m bi, this Chris Christy the governor of NJ in my opinion is a Hippocratic and that’s bad. I completely support this movement and hope the rest of the 43 states pass it BC its 2012 not 1950′s. Get w it new Jersey.
I hope and expect they override this %$#@&#$&^$# egotistical idiot
YES ERIC THANK YOU
He should hire out as the poster boy for grossly over achieved Republicans
He’s an ass!
The fat bastard. May he drown in his juices
Good luck New Jersey! We’re fighting for equality in NC now too. Keep your heads up and you will get there!
Too bad I missed little Joseph from Spring, Tex-ass. I’m gay and from NJ and I would like to roast Mr. Christie over a spit while I tan his hide. Little Joey is so tough behind his computer and he lives at his parents house. Go get a job Tex-as and stop diddling your father…for money. Pisses me off when people like this think they can run over my rights. It’s about civil rights, not about marriage and the next person who tells me that marriage is between a man and woman then I’m gonna ask them to explain why then is divorce between two lawyer and a judge?
What if Whitney Houston was gay? Just wondering if this would’ve passed flying at least half staff? >:-
ERIC LI I will never respect Chris Christie again and I have even less respect for Steven Goldstein of Garden State Equality who wrote the most puke worthy post on a blog on their page. Goldstein is a political phony – he may even be just asexual instead of the gay man he proposes he is. I believe he is a fake as a person. Read the article on that site. I became furious over what that ass wrote.
another living in the 50′s republican
That fat motherfucker.
He just knows that the GOP would never allow him on a national ticket if he hadn’t vetoed this bill – just another ambitious hypocrite
Boo!