Christie Conditionally Vetos Marriage Equality and Religious Exemptions Act
Reiterates his call for the issue to be decided by the people via referendum
Calls for the establishment of an Ombudsman to enforce the Civil Union Law
Governor Chris Christie sent S-1, the Marriage Equality and Religious Exemptions Act, back to the legislature this afternoon with his conditional veto.
Christie issued the following statement regarding his action:
“Today, I am adhering to what I’ve said since this bill was first introduced – an issue of this magnitude and importance, which requires a constitutional amendment, should be left to the people of New Jersey to decide. I continue to encourage the Legislature to trust the people of New Jersey and seek their input by allowing our citizens to vote on a question that represents a profoundly significant societal change. This is the only path to amend our State Constitution and the best way to resolve the issue of same-sex marriage in our state.
“I have been just as adamant that same-sex couples in a civil union deserve the very same rights and benefits enjoyed by married couples – as well as the strict enforcement of those rights and benefits. Discrimination should not be tolerated and any complaint alleging a violation of a citizen’s right should be investigated and, if appropriate, remedied. To that end, I include in my conditional veto the creation of a strong Ombudsman for Civil Unions to carry on New Jersey’s strong tradition of tolerance and fairness. The Ombudsman will be charged with increasing awareness of the law regarding civil unions, will provide a clear point of contact for those who have questions or concerns and will be required to report any evidence of the law being violated. In this way, we can ensure equal treatment under the law.”
A copy of the Conditional Veto can be found here.
More from my site
Have Civil Unions Worked?
O’Scanlon Reiterates His Support Of Gay Marriage
Christie Drops Appeal To Gay Marriage Decision
Why the push for same sex marriage now?
Garden State Equality Claims They’re Close To Marriage Equality Overide
Gay married couple sues Catholic institution over medical benefits
Garden State Equality Launches Campaign To Convert Chick-fil-A Operators To Their Cause
Christie on Morning Joe- Democratic Leader Wants No Religious Exceptions For Gay Marriage
Opinion: Same-Sex Marriage Poses No Political Threat to Gov. Christie
Thank you Governor Christie!
Thanks CC!
which RINOS jump ship, and dare to vote to override the veto.. what a waste of our time and money, as Rome continues to burn!.. ps: I do believe if ever put to referendum, “Blue” Jersey will support it, but it’s about time the bureaucrats, judicial activists, and elitists ruling us realize the people put them there, and the people are supposed to decide, they don’t “know better!” am sick to death of these people telling/forcing us how to live in every aspect of life, period!!..
Of course it matters little what NJ constituents want. Renegade, lawless judges will impose their morales on us anyway with the eventual court challenges that follow defeat at the ballot box.
But why is the homosexual lobby so selfish? Why stop at homosexual marriage. What about polygamists, incest and beastiality? Why are they left outside the front door. Why not let all the miscreants in?