Reaction to the New Jersey State Supreme Court's decision to allow gay marriages to begin on Monday.

Senate President Steve Sweeney

State Senate President Steve Sweeney (photo by Kevin McArdle, Townsquare Media)
State Senate President Steve Sweeney (photo by Kevin McArdle, Townsquare Media)
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“October 21st will go down in history as the day same-sex New Jersey couples were finally provided the freedom to marry, a right that millions of people in this state already have.

“As the legal case proceeds, we will continue our effort in the Legislature to ensure that marriage equality remains and that all residents are treated the same under the law. I applaud the court for its decision and for recognizing the importance of protecting the rights of same-sex couples in our state.”

Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (D)

“I praise this decision - and I welcome marriage equality to New Jersey starting on Monday. It’s yet another win for equal protection under the law.

“It’s a shame it took this long to get to this point and that it took a court fight for same-sex couples to gain equal rights. New Jersey could have had marriage equality already if it wasn’t for Gov. Christie, who has done everything he could to prevent this from happening, including wasting money and time continuing this court battle.

“Justice has won out, and New Jersey will be a better state for it.

“Monday will be a historic day for New Jersey, and day of great joy and happiness for many of our citizens who have long deserved it.”

Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg

State Senator Loretta Weinberg
State Senator Loretta Weinberg (D) (Kevin McArdle, Townsquare Media)
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“This is a triumphant day for all the people of New Jersey as well as for same-sex couples.

“By extending the same rights and benefits to gay partners in marriage that are allowed for others, we are extending justice and equality more broadly throughout the state. We are a better people and a better state with marriage equality.

“It has been a long and demanded effort by many people to make this happen but we knew it was a cause worth fighting for and that we were destined to succeed. We embraced noble intentions with knowledge of the real-life implications for loving, same-sex couples who want to commit to the bond of marriage. It is now the law and the reality in New Jersey.

“I hope that the Supreme Court also makes the right decision to allow marriage equality when it rules on the issue itself. The decision by the Superior Court was clear and definitive in its support of the right for same-sex couples to have the same rights and benefits in marriage as others. I believe the Supreme Court should come to the same conclusion.

“It is still important that we have a law on the books that clearly defines same-sex marriages. I urge the governor to drop his opposition and sign a marriage equality bill. I will continue to work to override his veto of the legislation already approved by both houses of the Legislature. Marriage equality is now here, but it is important that the law is done right.”

This unanimous ruling is yet another victory in the fight for marriage equality in New Jersey, and affirms what we already knew: that same-sex marriage will inevitably be the law of the land.

 Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D)

“History will be made in New Jersey on Monday. Equality has won out once again and I thank the Supreme Court for ruling on the side of justice.”

“I hope the Christie administration will quickly get its act in gear to give towns the guidance they need to begin making this dream a reality for the thousands of gay couples who have waited too long to be treated equally.”

Steve Goldstein, Founder Of Garden State Equality

Imagine the happiness you'd feel if you won the Super Bowl, the Nobel Prize and an Academy Award all in a single moment, and multiply it by a million. That’s how we LGBT New Jerseyans feel right now.

On Monday, New Jersey will begin to tear down its Berlin Wall separating straight people who have had total freedom, and LGBT people who have not. Governor Christie, not even you have the power to resurrect that wall. 2016 may compel you to try, but the tide of history won’t let you succeed. It’s time to stop the charade of opposing the inevitable.

Ultimately, the Supreme Court’s action today is more than about us longtime couples in love. This is also a triumph for LGBT youth and our hope they’ll get to live in a kinder world than we did. We seek a world that will tell every child, whether LGBT or not: You are normal, and so are your dreams.

Thanks to the New Jersey Supreme Court, we are closer to that world today.

 

 

 

 



 

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