By a vote of 41-33, the New Jersey state assembly has approved marriage equality legislation. Last week the state Senate passed the measure by a 24-16 vote.
STORY: Hip Hip Hooray! New Jersey’s Gay Marriage Bill Passed In State Senate!
Gov. Chris Christie has promised to veto the measure, which will now head to his desk.
During Thursday’s vote, Speaker Oliver put forth some of the most evocative statements of the debate saying:
“We cannot single out any one group of people and deem them to be undeserving of the same legal protections. My Christian teachings taught me that I don’t have the right to judge anyone else.”
If Christie plans to go ahead and hold his promise to veto the bill, marriage equality supporters in the state have until January 14th, 2014 to secure enough votes to override the veto. As for now, gay rights advocates are celebrating, but the fight continues.
