In an apparent attempt to ride the wave of success found by several states last November, Democratic leaders in New Jersey are attempting to override a veto banning same sex marriage within their state. If necessary, these Democratic leaders within the Senate and Assembly are willing to put the issue to a public vote this coming November, by placing it on the ballot. This commitment to push for marriage equality was arrived at by Democrats within the Senate and Assembly during a meeting on Thursday, February 21.
If an override is unsuccessful, it has been suggested that the issue could be introduced on the ballot. Governor Chris Christie, a self-professed Catholic who opposes and originally vetoed gay marriage, is open to this. He states, “On this issue, I am comfortable with the people of the state of New Jersey making the decision.”
However there are some opposed to a public vote. Senate President Stephen Sweeney, who views same sex marriage as a civil right, disagrees with the idea of placing it on the ballot. For the issue not to become a public vote the Senate would need at least 27 out of 40 positive votes, and The Assembly would need 54 out of 80 to agree.
Sources: www.nbcphiladelphia.com, www.philly.com, www.sfgate.com, www.pressofatlanticity.com