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NJ Gov. Chris Christie: Gay marriage ruling an example of ‘judicial supremacy’

NJ Gov. Chris Christie: Gay marriage ruling an example of ‘judicial supremacy’

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling erasing part of a federal anti-gay marriage law was a “bad decision” and an example of “judicial supremacy.”

Gov. Chris Christie (R-N.J.)

Christie said he would again veto a same-sex marriage bill if it reaches his desk, and that Wednesday’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down a ban on federal benefits for same-sex married couples will have no effect on New Jersey, one of a handful of states that allows civil unions.

Appearing on TownSquare Media’s “Ask the Governor,” program Wednesday night, Christie said he remains opposed to gay marriage but is willing to put the question to voters.

“What I’ve said all along is what I said when I vetoed the last one, ‘let the people decide,'” Christie said. “You’re talking about changing an institution that’s over 2000 years old. The Democrats are putting an increase in the minimum wage on the ballot. That’s important enough to put on the ballot but gay marriage is not?”

Christie, who said he supports civil unions, also criticized the federal court for the ruling, levying a criticism typically reserved for New Jersey’s highest court.

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“It’s just another example of judicial supremacy rather than having a government run by the people we actually vote for,” he said. “I thought it was a bad decision, but it has no effect on New Jersey at all so we move from here.”

Sen. Barbara Buono, the Democrat running against Christie for governor and the parent of an adult gay daughter, called for an override of Christie’s veto to be held Thursday. But a spokesman for Senate President Steve Sweeney said that won’t happen.

Democrats have never been able to override one of Christie’s vetoes, which they cannot do without Republican support.

In January, the GOP governor and potential 2016 presidential candidate vetoed a New Jersey same-sex marriage bill.

If an “institution that’s over 2,000 years old” is to be changed, he says a referendum should be held.

Associated Press contributed to this report.
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