The hotly debated New Jersey gay marriage bill was passed today in the state Senate by a 24-16 vote. The state Senate voted on the bill that would allow same-sex couples to marry.
STORY: Hip Hip Hooray! Cali Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Sponsors of the gay marriage bill (S1) knew that it was going to be passed since they had enough votes.
Gov. Chris Christie has promised to veto it, saying he wants to put a referendum on the ballot in November instead.
Last time the Senate voted on gay marriage in January 2010, it went down 20-14.
The Assembly will take up the gay marriage bill on Thursday.
Neither house is expected to have enough yes votes to override Christie’s veto. Democrats have refused to support Christie’s call for a referendum, which will likely lead to a stand-off.
According to NJ.com, two republicans, Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth) and Sen. Diane Allen (R-Burlington) voted yes on the bill.
“We have some among us who are separate and not equal,” Beck said.
The bills passage elicited a round of applause from those in the audience wearing blue in support of the bill.
Sen. Ray Lesniak (D-Union), a co-sponsor, raised his arm in victory and said “Yes!”
Two Democrats, Sen. Ronald Rice (D-Essex) and Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May), voted no.
As for now the state Senate is on the right track to have same-sex marriage a reality in New Jersey. In Washington state the measure has already been passed as Gov. Chris Gregoire signed into law the legalization of same-sex marriage making it the seventh state in the nation to allow gay and lesbian couples to wed.
According to the Asociated Press, Gregoire signed the bill surrounded by gay rights supporters. “I’m proud our same-sex couples will no longer be treated as separate but equal,” she said.
It’s a historic moment, but same-sex couples can’t walk down the aisle just yet. The law takes effect June 7, but opponents on multiple fronts already are preparing to fight.
Last week Newark Mayor, Cory Booker, pleaded for the measure to pass. Take a look at what he said when asked about same-sex marriage.
