Read reactions to a state judge's decision that New Jersey must allow gay marriage.

 Governor Chris Christie

“Governor Christie has always maintained that he would abide by the will of the voters on the issue of marriage equality and called for it to be on the ballot this Election Day.  Since the legislature refused to allow the people to decide expeditiously, we will let the Supreme Court make this constitutional determination.”

Garden State Equality

We told you for months that through litigation or legislation we would win marriage equality this year, and we just won round one!!! A New Jersey Superior Court just granted our motion for summary judgement in GSE v. Dow... there is still work to be done, but this is a historic day!!!!

Republican Candidate for U.S. Senate Steve Lonegan

"The issue here is not gay marriage. The issue is an activist judge who is legislating from the bench, using her judicial power to advance her own agenda.

Whether one supports gay marriage or not, this decision must be made by the state legislature and the people of New Jersey, not an activist judge.

As a U.S. Senator, I will only confirm judges that will uphold the Constitution, not twist it like a mere piece of wax to advance their own agenda."

Senator Barbara Buono (D) and candidate for governor

Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono (photo by Kevin McArdle, Townsquare Media)
Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono (photo by Kevin McArdle, Townsquare Media)
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"Today's decision reaffirms that all New Jerseyans, no matter who they love, deserve the right to marry. It is a tremendous victory for everyone who believes in equality.

"It is also a stark reminder that Governor Christie stands on the wrong side of history. At every turn, he has prevented our gay brothers and sisters from enjoying the same rights as other New Jerseyans. He must now make a decision whether to continue to be an obstacle or to be part of the solution.

"The courts have spoken and the people have spoken. It is time for Chris Christie to stop blocking equal rights for all New Jerseyans."

Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg and Senator Raymond J. Lesniak

“The court has now officially recognized what a growing majority of New Jersey citizens believe: that same-sex couples have the right to marry and that denying them is morally wrong and legally unconstitutional.

“Marriage equality is about equal rights and justice and this decision is legal affirmation. Everyone should respect the court’s judgment just as society should respect the decision of gay couples to marry. The time has come for true marriage equality and for New Jersey this decision says that time is now.

“We urge the governor not to challenge this decision. If he does, he will only be delaying the inevitable. Those who continue to oppose marriage equality should think about how they will be judged by history. Same-sex couples have been denied equal rights for far too long.”

Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D)

Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver
Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (Facebook)
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I’m ecstatic to see today’s ruling. This is a great victory for civil rights and treating everyone equally under the law.

“Sadly, same-sex couples were denied equal rights for too long, and Gov. Christie’s veto only prolonged their struggle unnecessarily. Oct. 21 should be a very exciting day for many loving New Jersey couples, and I hope Gov. Christie does the right thing and does not appeal. Justice has already been denied for far too long. Let’s clear the way for equal rights for all families.

“As Congressman John Lewis reminded us when he visited New Jersey last year, ‘It’s a question of human dignity, a question of human rights.’ This ruling is an answer to that question. This ruling brings justice for all.”

Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald (D)

"Justice has truly been served. This decision is a long-overdue vindication of loving LGBT families who have simply wanted our state to live up to our fundamental values of fairness and equal treatment under the law.

"As one of the leaders at the forefront of the fight to bring marriage equality to New Jersey, I am overjoyed at the court's decision.

"I am confident that today's decision marks the beginning of a new era of full equality for all families in New Jersey - consistent with our values and our Constitution."

Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D)

This ruling affirms what we’ve been saying all along – our civil union law does not provide equal treatment for same-sex couples in New Jersey.

“Today marks the start of the march to the front of the bus for loving, committed same-sex couples who have been denied equal rights for far too long.

“The federal government has recognized this. The New Jersey Legislature recognized this. The courts now recognize this. It’s time for the Governor to stop standing in the way of justice and allow this order to be upheld.

“Should the state choose not to appeal this decision, October 21 will be a cause for celebration throughout the state of New Jersey,” said Gusciora (D-Mercer/Hunterdon).

Deputy Speaker John S. Wisniewski (D-Middlesex)

"Today's Superior Court summary judgment in favor of plaintiffs seeking marriage equality is a victory for equality and justice for New Jersey's gay and lesbian community.

“I call on Governor Christie to put an end to his attempt to thwart the state constitution and the will of New Jersey's people and recognize that marriage equality in New Jersey is not only right and just, but it is also inevitable."

Congressman Rush Holt (D)

Representative Rush Holt at Democrat headquarters on Election Night
Representative Rush Holt at Democrat headquarters on Election Night (Maggie Sarlo, Rider News)
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“This is a day for the history books in New Jersey. After so many years of discrimination, injustice, and legal uncertainty, same-sex couples finally have the right to marry in our state. Superior Court Judge Mary Jacobson’s decision is both legally and morally sound, and I congratulate Garden State Equality on this victory.

“The Supreme Court’s ruling earlier this year to overturn the federal Defense of Marriage Act was so strong that every state sooner or later will have to reach the decision to recognize all marriages equally. I urge the Christie administration to accept this pro-equality judgment and not attempt to overrule it on appeal.

“By accepting the court’s decision, the governor can send a strong signal that all citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation, are equal in the eyes of the law.”

 Monmouth County Democrats:

"The New Jersey courts have ruled that all couples must be treated equally under the law and that every New Jersey resident has the right to marry the person of their choosing. This is an historic day for thousands of Monmouth County residents who have been denied the right to marry for far too long. The significance of today's court decision will impact families all over Monmouth County.

It is our hope that the state recognizes this landmark decision - a decision that recognizes all New Jersey residents as equal under the law- and does not pursue an appeal. "

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