Assemblyman Reed Gusciora Will Introduce a Bill Asking Voters to Legalize Same Sex Marriage in N.J. – How Would You Vote? [POLL]

Well this is a change of heart.

Considering that Governor Christie had conditionally vetoed the measure of legalizing same sex marriage back in February with the proviso that an ombudsman be appointed to address concerns of same sex couples in civil unions; he instead suggested that the measure be put on the ballot to let voters decide the issue.

According to this,

Assemblyman Gusciora had a change of heart, saying "I am the last person who believes civil rights should be on the ballot, but civil rights delayed is civil rights denied," Gusciora said. "The timing is right. There is broader acceptance."

Encouraged by three states last month that approved ballot measures supporting gay marriage, he today introduced a bill that would give New Jersey voters the same choice.

Gusciora said he has been opposed to putting a civil rights question like marriage equality up to a popular vote. But the Assemblyman — New Jersey's first openly gay legislator — said his constituents asked him to change his mind in light of last month's election results.

Modeled after the Maine ballot question, the bill, (A3611) would need support in both houses of the Legislature and Gov. Chris Christie's signature to become law. The measure would then be added to the following election-year ballot.

Gusciora said he expects the governor would sign his bill. Christie does not personally support gay marriage but has said he would sign a bill giving voters the right to decide the issue. "This is exactly what the Governor wants," he added.

Given the U.S. Supreme Court's decision last week to take on a case involving marriage equality rights in California, "hopefully the ballot issue would be moot," Gusciora said.

But in lieu of that, were the item were to be put to a vote on the ballot…would you vote to legalize same sex marriage in New Jersey?

Let’s remember, this measure would not force religious institutions to recognize same sex marriage should their precepts be against it.

But to deny same sex couples the same rights as married heterosexual couples at this point seems byzantine.