Christie Unchanged On Gay Marriage, Wants Voters To Decide [AUDIO]
Governor Chris Christie says his position on gay marriage remains unchanged, a day after President Barack Obama said he now supports it.
"I don't believe marriage should be anything other than between a man and a woman and I've made that clear during my campaign and a few times since then" Christie told a high school student who asked about the issue at a town hall in Somerset.
In January Christie vetoed a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in New Jersey, but has offered to put the issue to a popular vote.
"Because there is division in the state about it, I'm happy to let the people decide and I suggested that this year be the year because a presidential election will be when the most people vote...and lets see where it falls."
Christie said the advocates of gay marriage tell him that a majority of New Jerseyans, according to most polls, favor the idea.
"Well if that's the case, then put it to a vote and if my position is the losing position, then so be it."
Democrats have said they don't want to put it to a vote because they feel its inappropriate to put a civil rights issue on the ballot.
"That sounds to me like people that think they are going to lose. If you think you are going to win, take a shot...so that is their choice" said Christie.
32 other states have put gay marriage to a vote.
"I know Republicans have said they will vote for it...even those who oppose same-sex marriage have said they will put it on the ballot to legalize it" said Christie.