By Managing Editor Mike Schneider
NJ Today
History was made in Washington today when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned limits on same-sex marriage. The justices tossed out the federal Defense of Marriage Act and tossed aside an attempt to reinstate California’s gay marriage ban.
That triggered a celebration among gay rights activists.
“Today I finally get to look at the man that I love and finally say, ‘Will you please marry me?'” said one man to cheers after the decision was reached.
But the cheering is more muted in states like New Jersey where civil unions are the law, but not gay marriage. Last year the governor vetoed a gay marriage bill and said New Jersey voters ought to decide. And the Democrats went after him for that.
“That was a cowardice way out,” Senate President Steve Sweeney said in February 2012. “That’s a cowardice way not to deal with an issue. To let it out there and let millions of dollars come in this state to try to override a civil right. Civil rights do not go on ballots. Period. And there’s not a chance in hell I will ever put a bill up that will allow a civil rights issue to be put on a ballot.”
Today, the governor wasn’t taking any questions on the issue and his opponent pounced on him for that.
“He’s spineless when it comes to really taking a stand on the fundamental issue that might just hamper his national aspirations,” said Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono.
But conservative groups are hoping the governor stands firm. And they’re blasting today’s Supreme Court decisions.
“I think Gov. Christie should stay the course. He has been consistent in his defense of life, in his defense of marriage, in his defense of family life. Homosexuality’s not a civil right, therefore we should put this on the ballot for a vote and let the people decide what the definition of marriage should be, what the definition of a family is,” said New Jersey Family First Director of Government Affairs Gregory Quinlan.
Related: Garden State Equality Executive Director Predicts NJ Will Have Marriage Equality This Year