Gay Marriage Bill Passed by New Jersey Legislature, Awaits Veto by Governor

"Trenton, NJ - The New Jersey Assembly approved a bill legalizing same-sex marriage on Thursday, setting up a confrontation with Gov. Chris Christie, who promised a swift veto and defied the Legislature to put the issue before voters instead.

In two hours of passionate debate, Democrats supporting the measure urged their colleagues to make history, comparing the fight for legalization of same-sex marriage to battles for women's suffrage and against racism.

"We can make a giant leap forward today in the fight against one of the last legalized barriers to equal rights," said Sheila Y. Oliver, the Assembly speaker, whose voice broke at several points as she exhorted her colleagues to support the bill."

rest at http://www.truth-out.org/gay-marriage-bill-passed-nj-legislature-awaits-veto-governor/1329495091