NEW YORK — In an interview with CNN’s Piers Morgan on Tuesday evening, New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie said “I won’t compromise my principles for politics” regarding the issue of the same-sex marriage bill passed by the state legislature, which he vetoed last Friday.
Chris Christie
CNN has released a partial transcript of Tuesday’s interview:
[...] “And so what I’ve suggested to the legislature is, in a way, the only way we have to amend our constitution in New Jersey – which is by referendum – let’s put it on the ballot, let’s let people decide.”
“And if the people in New Jersey, as some of the same sex marriage advocates suggest the polls indicate are in favor of it, then my position would not be the winning position, but I’m willing to take that risk because I trust the people of the state,” he said.
When asked if he would ever change his mind on this issue as public opinion swings to supporting same-sex marriage — Washington state recently became the seventh in the nation, along with the District of Columbia, to allow gay marriage — Christie said he would not.
“I won’t compromise my principles for politics,” he said.
“You would never change your mind about this?” Morgan asked.
“I would not compromise my principles for politics. You’re saying, will it become politically unpopular to have the position I’m having? If it does, so be it. I don’t compromise my principles for politics,” Christie said.
Christie admitted he has gotten some flak from gay friends for his stance, but said it is guided by his Catholic faith.
The governor added that his position is “absolutely not” bigoted and slammed the suggestion that anyone might say otherwise.
“It’s my belief, it’s my core belief,” he said. “And I tell people that. And my friends, whether they be homosexual or not, they know me and they know I’m not bigoted.”
The New Jersey legislature has until January 2014 to muster enough votes for an override of Christie’s veto.
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Everything is bigger in Texas – even the homophobia
What a fucking douche.
Fucking asshole. he needs to be removed from office
Piece of shit!
He should have veto the cabs and fried food instead of marriage equality!
I hope one of his kids turns out to be gay.
A Republican who won’t compromise not a damn shock. I still say their party should switch from the elephant to the ostrich. They are continously sticking their heads in the sand when it comes to society progressing.
Goodness no, Taylor. I wouldn’t wish Chris Christie on any gay child.
i’ll just kiss ass, waiting for the slim chance of of a VP nod…ha!
Such a bafoon…such jackassery!!!
If one of his kids turned out to be gay, he’d probably stone em.
And ya know what, Christie? WE won’t compromise EITHER, a-hole!
When are these idiots going to learn that separation of church & state means just that. Tired of them using it when it’s convenient for them.
Asshole.
His principles?wow principles vs politics..it is his personnel issue..isn’t part of his job professionalism vs personnel?and it isn’t about what HE thinks or believes..it is about the people whom he is serving..dumbass
Interesting since it was obviously a political move.
he won’t compromise his own health, this isn’t surprising.
Who knows, maybe he would change his whole opinion on same sex marriage, very slight chance but yeah.
…he is on the wrong side of history and I don’t want him on the right side.
name calling is stupid. He’s the head guy, let him do his head guy things and stop whining. your time will come.
It’s ok- he will be changing his tune once he can’t overthrow federal law. It will be here one day! We just can’t give up!!
We can only hope that he drops dead of a massive heart attack, mean? perhaps, but he deserves it.
Hey Christie – if you can’t do your job without compromising your religious principles, it’s time to quit. “If the time should ever come when my office would require me to either violate my conscience or violate the national interest, then I would resign the office; and I hope any conscientious public servant would do the same.” – John F. Kennedy.
what a complete do@che bag!
Let us be Free…no bible in school…a holiday tree versus a Christmas tree….but hide your bigotry behind religion that you profess you respect all…..UGH! We fought for your freedoms…fight for ours!
Denying equal rights to a group of people is a bigoted position and makes him a bigot. Saying it is a principled position does not change that.
Please don’t. I am sure NJ will support your retirement from public life.
Just ’cause no man will marry him?!
Jack azz!!!!! Smh ugh
of course…compromise isnt what republicans do, i think we can all see that from listening to congress..
amen, as a gay women who just finally got married to my wife in Iowa , ppl like him shouldnt get retirment he wont let us retire with our life partner, i live in indiana n im not holding my breath for this state to comply with same sex marrige ne time soon. BUT i am praying we can soon.
bigot u is and shall remain,but political bigot please learn about the sepration of church and state, and keep your faith out of your job,,its to serve many different faiths and not just your own narrow one
hes just another cave-in to the tea party crap
The very word “Principles” should curdle in his mouth.
He’s being an asshlole!……..how would he like it if someone stopped all heavy or overweight ppl from getting married?…….Thats about as stupid as it is too keep gay , bi, or transgeneder ppl from marying!!! peace love and blessings! <3
I respect this man more and more. I rather have someone tell me in my face that they dont like than behind my back. We do have freedom of choice, to think and speech. If u dont like it, move to New York.
Then perhaps he should step down and make room for someone who does not have such a conflict of interest….
Have another sandwich idiot, you suck at being a Govenor..
I’m with u Eric and I dont even live in Jersey
ok he would rather be part of a church that rapes children but wont compromise anything for gay marrige… something is wrong there!!!
@Diane Miranda Weaver…although that would be a good way to get him to open his eyes,being overweight is still something people can change (unless its a medical condition),we have to get them to see that being gay isnt as easy as exercising to lose weight,its not a choice like it is as to whether or not someone want to eat all they time…but like I said,that would be a good idea :)
The* not they,sorry lol
Asshole
Then you are going to be sacked. Hope you enjoy losing the next election.
Hello everyone! This petition was created to let New Jersey Governor Chris Christie know that his veto of Marriage Equality only makes us stronger!! Our voices will be heard!! As of this morning, we are reaching nearly 1,500 “voices” in only a few days!! Our goal is 100,000!! Help us reach that by signing and then “sharing” this on your FB page, Twitter, Tumblr.. whatever!! We can’t do this without your help! Thank you all!! http://www.change.org/petitions/governor-chris-christie-reconsider-your-veto-of-marriage-equality
Wow, “compromise MY principles for politics” then you certainly are not representing the people who voted you into office. What a shame, looks like MD gets to be 8 and NJ falls behind. We sure are looking to the revenues going to be generated along our eastern shore. Bring on the weddings to MD we’ll marry you. As Julia Roberts said: “Mistake, big mistake, no huge mistake”…
Hopefully come next election, the voters won’t compromise and vote the bum out.
Christie compromises every day on the Sin of Gluttony.
So he wants a vote? Has he never heard about Prop8?
Sadly politics isn’t about someone’s personal principles… they are about what is good for the community… Idiot.
i live in nj…..i moved to florida once and hated it….i hate this fucking fatass who takes helicopter rides to his brats baseball games….hes done nothing but stupid shit since hes been in office and this and the lowering of the flags for whitney houston is the last straw…enough is enough lets impeach this fuckhead!