September 27, 2013
Christie Plans Appeal of NJ Gay Marriage Ruling
Jason St. Amand READ TIME: 1 MIN.
A spokesman for Gov. Chris Christie says he will appeal a state court ruling calling for gay marriage to be legalized.
Spokesman Michael Drewniak says Christie "will let the Supreme Court make this constitutional determination" after lawmakers rejected his previous plan to have voters decide whether to allow same-sex marriage.
A state judge ruled earlier Friday that the state must allow same-sex couples to marry beginning Oct. 21.
Judge Mary Jacobson says now that the federal government recognizes gay marriages, not doing so in New Jersey would violate the state constitution. The judge accepted the position of lawyers from gay rights groups that the state is blocking citizens from receiving federal benefits.
