Efforts to legalize same-sex marriage in Pennsylvania and New Jersey help illustrate similar situations happening across the country in the months since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down parts of a federal law that restricted the rights of gay couples. A sampling of efforts in key states.
The New Jersey State Supreme Court in a unanimous vote has ruled against the Christie administration and denied a stay, allowing gay marriages to begin in New Jersey on Monday.
U.S. Sen.-elect Cory Booker says he will officiate at weddings of both gay and heterosexual couples as the mayor of Newark now that New Jersey is allowing same-sex marriage.
Unless the New Jersey Supreme Court grants the Christie Administration’s motion for a stay, the state will have to comply with Superior Court Judge Mary Jacobson’s order that same-sex marriages should be permitted in the Garden State starting Oct. 21. Assemblyman Reed Gusciora wants clarification now on whether gay couples can or can't apply for marriage licenses today.
At least one New Jersey town began issuing marriage licenses to gay couples Thursday to comply with a court order to allow same-sex marriages starting Monday.
One week ago, a judge denied the Christie Administration's motion to delay the start of same-sex marriage in New Jersey. The Administration appealed the same day, but if a stay isn't granted the state must start to allow gay couples to marry on Oct. 21. Exactly when the first marriage of a same-sex couple can actually take place is still uncertain.