Judge Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage in New Jersey; Christie Vows to Appeal
A state judge today ruled to legalize same-sex marriage in New Jersey, saying gay couples would be denied federal benefits if the state kept allowing only civil unions.
Superior Court Judge Mary Jacobson granted an emergency request by six gay couples, ordering state officials to begin officiating same-sex marriages on Oct. 21.
“Same-sex couples must be allowed to marry in order to obtain equal protection of the law under the New Jersey constitution,” the judge wrote in a 53-page opinion.
But Gov. Chris Christie, who opposes gay marriage, vowed today to appeal the ruling all the way to the state Supreme Court.
More: Judge Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage in New Jersey; Christie Vows to Appeal