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Chris Christie Really Doesn't Want To Veto Gay Marriage In NJ
By
Garth Johnston
Published Jan 24, 2012
Modified Jan 24, 2012
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By
Garth Johnston
Published Jan 24, 2012
Modified Jan 24, 2012
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Democratic lawmakers in New Jersey are really serious about their promise to bring marriage equality to a vote in the Garden State, and Governor Chris Christie is really serious about trying to get around them without upsetting either side too much. Today a Senate committee in the state advanced a bill on the topic in an 8-4 vote along party lines. Which gave Chrstie the perfect time to push instead for a voter referendum in November on gay marriage.
Why, exactly Christie—who has vowed he will veto any gay marriage bill that hits his desk but just nominated a gay man to the state Supreme Court—wants to put it to voters is simple: 52 percent of New Jersey residents support gay marriage (versus 42 opposed) and a Christie veto could hurt the pol's popularity in his home state. But for the totally-running-in-2016 Governor, national opinions matter. And nationally gay marriage is still a hot button issue. With a referendum Christie doesn't have to be a Republican governor who let the gays get married—it'll be out of his hands! But as Daily Intel points out:
Making this vision a reality won't be so easy for Christie, though. Three-fifths of each chamber in the legislature must first approve a constitutional amendment if it's to appear on the ballot this November. That means convincing some anti-gay-marriage legislators to risk the legalization of gay marriage via popular vote, when they know the bill would otherwise die on Christie's desk. This plan may save Christie's hide, but what's in it for them?
What's in it for them? Not much for now. Which is to say, expect this one to get interesting, quickly.
Tagged
Chris Christie
election 2016
gay marriage
marriage equality
new jersey
Garth Johnston
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