Gov.Christie Folds on Gay Marriage and Reactions of NJ Lawmakers

The Star Ledger in NJ gauges the reaction of local politicians including the Governor on the  fast tract decision of the NJ Supreme Court. I was most interested to see if Governor Christie was going to continue to fight gay marriage. It seems that he already showed his republican party that he can run for president because he is loyal on opposing gay marriage. 

The truth is regardless of how personally he feels about gay marriage all his emperors clothes have been disappearing up to the point that even  he can see how naked he is on the issue. First it was the DOMA excuse and Obama and the US Supreme court ripped his imaginary clothes on that. Then there was his religion, Governor Christie being a Catholic.  Pope Francis took care of his underwear on that excuse. Finally it was the will of the voter and the courts and to that the NJ Supreme Court took away his socks and thus he sees himself naked and with no more excuses he says he will make things smooth for same sex couples to marry.  This whole charade of coarse did not fool anybody.  Everyone knew he was holding gay marriage hostage to his aspirations as candidate of his party for president. 

Congratulations New Jersey!

Adam Gonzalez
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TRENTON — Local lawmakers and gay marriage advocates are reacting this afternoon to a state Supreme Court ruling that same-sex marriages can begin in New Jersey on Monday.

The court ruled marriages can begin on a provisional basis until the court makes its final ruling on gay marriage rights next year.

Among those reacting to the ruling:

Michael Drewniak, Gov. Christie's press secretary:

"The Supreme Court has made its determination. While the Governor firmly believes that this determination should be made by all the people of the state of New Jersey, he has instructed the Department of Health to cooperate with all municipalities in effectuating the order of the Superior Court under the applicable law."

James Allen, spokesman for Newark Mayor Cory Booker:

"For more than seven years, Mayor Booker has refused all requests to officiate New Jersey marriages because gay couples have been denied that equal right. After today’s wonderful news, Mayor Booker is excited to marry both straight and gay couples in City Hall on Monday morning beginning at 12:01 a.m."

Lawrence Lustberg, one of the lawyers for the six families involved in the case:

"This is enormously gratifying. The court correctly applied settled law to the facts and made good on the promise of equality that it made in the Lewis case. And in doing so, it made a lot of people happy, because they can marry the ones they love and are just as importantly because they are no longer being treated unequally."

Steven M. Fulop, mayor of Jersey City:

"We are extremely pleased and gratified that the New Jersey Supreme Court has upheld the lower court's ruling that same-sex marriages will be legal in the state of New Jersey beginning Monday, Oct. 21st, as this is a civil rights issue that affects thousands of Jersey City and New Jersey residents. The Jersey City City Clerk has begun accepting applications for same-sex marriage licenses and on Monday we will begin performing the ceremonies which will be legal and binding."

John Tomicki, president of the New Jersey Coalition to Preserve and Protect Marriage:

"Court after court is misinterpreting and misreading the law in order to get the result that they wish, which is to destroy the historical definition of marriage. Once you do that by a judicial fiat, no longer will you be able to limit marriage just to two people of the same gender. We would still wish that the question were decided not by the court, not by the Legislature, but by a referendum."

Sen. Barbara Buono, Democratic candidate for governor:

"This governor needs to step aside. He's on the wrong side of history and he's been on the wrong side of history for a while. He just needs to let it go."

Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester):

“This unanimous ruling is yet another victory in the fight for marriage equality in New Jersey, and affirms what we already knew: that same-sex marriage will inevitably be the law of the land. Oct. 21st will go down in history as the day same-sex New Jersey couples were finally provided the freedom to marry, a right that millions of people in this state already have. As the legal case proceeds, we will continue our effort in the Legislature to ensure that marriage equality remains and that all residents are treated the same under the law. I applaud the court for its decision and for recognizing the importance of protecting the rights of same-sex couples in our state.”

New Jersey Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald (D-Camden/Burlington):

"I am overjoyed to see the Supreme Court will allow loving same-sex couples to get married starting Monday. At long last, true equality finally begins in New Jersey. The Supreme Court has now signaled what we in the Legislature have long expressed: marriage equality will be the law of the land in New Jersey; it is a simple matter of when, not if."

Assemblyman Ruben J. Ramos (D-Hudson):

"The Supreme Court claimed a victory for the LGBT community today. Friday’s ruling gives justice to the many who have waited decades to be wed and be treated equally as other married couples under the law. No more waiting. No more appeals. This is a great day for New Jersey. And Monday will be a triumph etched in New Jersey’s civil rights history."

Chad Griffin, Human Rights Campaign president:

"The New Jersey Supreme Court has sent a momentous and vital message to the entire country. No government should stand in the way of committed and loving couples seeking to marry. And I have no doubt that when this case is resolved on the merits, marriage equality will come to the Garden State permanently.”

Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen):

“The battle for equality has been long and arduous for the LGBT community. Monday will be the beginning of a new era of equality in New Jersey. I applaud the court’s decision to rule in the name of justice. It is the right thing to do. And it is time that all people who wish to share their lives together are able to do so, equally, under the law. The long-awaited dreams of many in New Jersey will thankfully become reality starting Monday.”

Assemblyman Tim Eustace (D-Bergen):

“This ruling just brought us closer to justice. I commend the court for recognizing that civil unions are unconstitutional and denying the governor’s request to further delay a final decision on marriage equality in New Jersey. Monday will be a game-changer for couples who have long waited to exchange ‘I do’s’. As the court continues to deliberate the case, I hope the administration and municipalities will work together so Monday goes smoothly for all those couples who have patiently waited for this day.”

Michael Premo, New Jersey United For Marriage campaign manager:

"This is an amazing moment in New Jersey history, and we rejoice with our family and friends who will finally be able to get married. Despite our joy, we know the fight is not over. Though we have a very strong case, the final decision by the Court is far from certain. Just as quickly as these weddings start happening, the court can stop them. We cannot control the final outcome of the New Jersey Supreme Court, but we can continue to make our voices heard by legislators. The quickest route to guarantee marriage equality still remains with the Legislature. The Court's ruling, while a momentous step forward, is not final. With the Supreme Court not set to hear the merits of the case until after the new year, we will continue to work every day to guarantee the freedom to marry as quickly as possible. The fastest way to do this once and for all is through the Legislature. The ball is in their court now to stand on the right side of history with loving and committed couples.”

By Kelly Heyboer/ The Star-Ledger