Breaking news, after same-sex marriages began in New Jersey at midnight last night. Chris Christie has dropped his administration’s appeal to the new law:
New Jersey on Monday became the 14th U.S. state to legalize gay marriage after Governor Chris Christie withdrew his administration’s legal opposition to same-sex nuptials.
The governor’s decision, which came just hours after same-sex couples began marrying in New Jersey, removed a legal challenge that could have left those newlyweds in limbo until the courts ruled on an appeal previously filed by the Christie administration. That appeal was due to be heard in January.
But Christie, in a reversal, asked acting Attorney General John Hoffman to withdraw the state’s appeal on Monday, the governor’s office said in a statement.
“Although the governor strongly disagrees with the court substituting its judgment for the constitutional process of the elected branches or a vote of the people, the court has now spoken clearly as to their view of the New Jersey Constitution, and, therefore, same-sex marriage is the law,” the statement said.
By a 2-1 margin, New Jersey voters in a poll earlier this month said Christie should drop the appeal.
As Senator-elect Cory Booker was officiating marriages last night, there was a lone protester. His response to her was pitch perfect:
Before he married Orville Bell and Joseph Panessidi, Booker asked, “I must ask if there’s anyone present here today that should know of any reason why Joseph and Orville should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
Screamed a heckler. “This is unlawful in the eyes of God!”
Booker then had the heckler removed, and continued to cheers…
“Not hearing any substantive, worthy objections, I now will proceed.”
Indeed.
