Republican New Jersey Governor Chris Christie's administration is asking a court to consider an emergency appeal in its effort to delay the start of same-sex marriages in the state.

 

Governor Chris Christie during gubernatorial debate
Governor Chris Christie during gubernatorial debate (WCBS TV)
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A state judge on Thursday refused to delay her order that New Jersey grant marriage licenses for same-sex couples starting Oct. 21.

The Christie administration has asked an appeals court judge to consider an emergency challenge to that order. Christie wants same-sex marriages put on hold at least until all appeals can be resolved.

Thirteen states allow gay marriages. Most of those states are in the Northeast. New Jersey offers gay couples civil unions.

Gay rights groups are pushing lawmakers to override Christie's veto last year of a law that would have allowed gay marriage.

(Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)

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