NJ Lawmakers Hope Veto Override Will Decide Same-Sex Marriage Issue
By Steve Tawa
TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) -- New Jersey legislative leaders are making it clear that they will try to override a veto by Governor Christie, following a state judge's ruling to legalize same-sex marriage in New Jersey.
Governor Christie is opposed to gay marriage, and his administration strongly hints that it will let the state Supreme Court have the final say after a lower court ruled that the state's laws concerning same-sex marriage were unconstitutional (see related story).
One of the plaintiffs in the case, Marsha Shapiro, has been together with Louise for 24 years, and they had a civil union years ago. She was grateful to the state judge for ruling that same-sex couples can legally get married in New Jersey.
"We have been given our dignity, our respect and our right to privacy," Shapiro said.
State Senate president Steve Sweeney is urging the high court to take up the matter immediately, to give clarity to the issue.
The New Jersey legislature passed a same-sex marriage bill in 2012 but the governor vetoed it "conditionally," arguing that the issue should be decided by voter referendum.
Now, the Democratic-led legislature plans to hold an override vote.
Three more votes are needed in the Senate for an override, and twelve in the Assembly. Supporters say the court ruling is clear and should change some minds.
As Sweeney puts it, "As soon as we get the votes and the override starts in the Senate," he'll move the item.
