HUGE news out of New Jersey:
WASHINGTON — The New Jersey Supreme Court on Friday denied Gov. Chris Christie’s request to put a marriage equality ruling on hold while the state high court considers the appeal of a lower-court ruling in support of marriage equality.
The unanimous decision denying the Christie administration’s request for a stay means same-sex couples can begin marrying in the Garden State on October 21.
Senator-Elect and Newark Mayor Cory Booker is among those local officialsplanning to officiate same-sex couples’ weddings at 12:01 a.m. Monday.
The state Supreme Court will still be hearing the full appeal, but they denied the stay because “the state has not shown a reasonable probability or likelihood of success on the merits.”
Evan Wolfson of Freedom to Marry reacts:
“The state Supreme Court’s rejection of Governor Christie’s effort to string out the denial of the freedom to marry is joyous news to couples in New Jersey, who can now begin marrying at long last, just like their neighbors in New York and Delaware. And every day, every wedding, every protection made available will show that families are helped and no one hurt when gay couples share in the freedom to marry. While the Supreme Court considers a final ruling in the case over the next several months, the legislature can and should move swiftly to finish the job it began when it passed the freedom to marry bill in 2012. Lawmakers should get on the right side of history, overriding the governor’s veto and making the freedom to marry the law of the land in New Jersey for once and for all.”
Congratulations to the state of New Jersey for, at least for now, being number fourteen!
