Gay Marriage Bill Passes State Senate [AUDIO]

New Jersey's state Senate has passed a bill to recognize gay marriage.

Monday's 24-16 vote was the first time either chamber of the state Legislature has passed such a bill. A previous measure failed in the Senate in January 2010, the only other time gay marriage has come up for a vote in New Jersey.

• Political reaction to the passage of S-1
• NJ Gay Marriage Bill Easily Passes Senate

But the latest vote doesn't mean that same-sex nuptials will be a reality in New Jersey soon. Republican Gov. Chris Christie has promised to veto the bill if it reaches his desk.

If that happens, the Legislature would have until January 2014 to try to override his veto in the current session with a two-thirds vote in each chamber.

A vote is scheduled in the Assembly for Thursday.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Listen to Townsquare Media's Statehouse Correspondent Kevin McArdle on today's historic vote.