Renewed efforts in N.J. to legalize same-sex marriage

New efforts are under way to legalize same-sex marriage in New Jersey.

Democratic leaders in the Legislature have made a commitment to attempt an override of Gov. Chris Christie’s veto of the marriage equality bill during this session, says Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, D-Mercer.

“In the meantime, we’re going to take a leadership position with the various gay stakeholders and organizations to get people marching out there to persuade not only public opinion but to have some of the recalcitrant members in both the Senate and Assembly to vote the right way,” he said.

If the override effort is unsuccessful, Gusciora says gay marriage supporters will pursue a constitutional amendment so voters could decide the issue.

Assemblyman Tim Eustace knows that every previous effort to overturn a Christie veto failed, but he’s hoping this one can succeed.

“Well I think we have solid support with the leadership, and that’s the first thing,” said Eustace, D-Bergen. “The next thing is we have a coalition of allies and gay groups who are willing to work with us on the ground. So it will make a big difference.”

Christie is confident there will not be enough votes for an override but he does favor putting the issue on the ballot. He says a major societal change should be decided by the people it’s going to affect.