NJ Senate Vote on Marriage Equality Today
In what Jerseyites in support of marriage equality hope will be a big “screw you” to the New York legislature, the state senate will vote today whether or not to allow gay marriages in this state. Last week, after New York’s devastating loss of the same in it’s legislature, we’re hoping for a big win on this side of the Hudson. The state senate judiciary committee voted last week - 7 to 6 - to allow it to the full Senate for a vote.
Both major South Jersey newspapers, the Courier Post and the Philadelphia Inquirer, have come out in favor of the measure.
The need for speed on this is apparent to all who voted against the hideous, right-wing Chris Christie for Governor. He takes over in January and will never, never sign such a bill. Here’s to hoping Jon Corzine goes out having done at least a little something for the LGBT residents of this state.
(h/t always to Blue Jersey)
UPDATE: It looks like the senate may not have votes and may be deferring the vote for today.
UPDATE II: From NJ.com:
TRENTON—A state Senate vote on legalizing same-sex marriage in New Jersey is expected to be delayed, its two prime sponsors said today.
Sens. Ray Lesniak (D-Union) and Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) said the bill—which was up for passage on Thursday—instead will likely be introduced in the Assembly Judiciary Committee in preparation for a vote by the lower house.
The lawmakers said they expect Senate President Richard Codey (D-Essex) to agree to the delay. Codey, who had posted the bill on Thursday’s agenda, could not immediately be reached for comment this afternoon.
Lesniak said he still expects a vote on same-sex marriage in both houses before the end of the lame-duck legislative session in January. Advocates are pushing for passage of the bill before Gov. Jon Corzine leaves office Jan. 19. Corzine supports the measure, while incoming Gov. Chris Christie says he will veto it.
Posted by gimmeabreak on 12/09/09 at 02:07 PM • Permalink
