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Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
"Democrats in the New Jersey Assembly today walked off a cliff when they decided to redefine marriage to accommodate the political demands of same-sex couples," said Brian Brown, NOM's president. "They have ensured themselves of the united opposition of people of faith when they next face voters. We are grateful to have a principled Governor in Chris Christie who has pledged to veto this legislation."
The New Jersey state Assembly passed legislation to redefine marriage by the narrowest of margins, 41-33. It would take 54 votes to override Governor Christie's promised veto.
NOM has spent significant funds on New Jersey elections in prior years and pledged to oppose legislators who supported redefining marriage.
"Redefining marriage is not going to happen in New Jersey," Brown said. "NOM will join with the community of faith and all conservatives to ensure that every legislator who voted to kick God's definition of marriage to the curb pays the ultimate political price when they face voters. We will not forget this betrayal of marriage."
Gov Chris Christie called today for a voter referendum on the fall ballot over the issue of legalizing gay marriage.Christie doesn't want officials to decided on marriage equality, he wants the people to decide. However, he will veto the bill if it comes to him. If the people want this, why would he deny the community? I don't get this, Chris Christie!
If successful, the referendum would change the state Constitution. He urged Republicans in the Legislature to put the matter to voters. But if a bill made it to his desk, Christie said he would veto it.
"Steve Sweeney is the change," said State Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen), who confirmed Democrats would hold a news conference today announcing the bill will be their priority in the two-year session that begins Tuesday. "The Senate President. It’s not just Steve Sweeney the individual. It’s the Senate President who brings along votes with him."The biggest problem will be Gov. Chris Christie; he has stated that he opposes gay marriage. But I'm sure this is going to motivate the gay community in New Jersey to make this happen.
The Senate rejected a gay marriage bill in January 2010, with 20 voting no, 14 yes, and three abstaining – including Sweeney, who was not yet leader of the upper house. He has since called his non-vote a big mistake.
“We made an effort to find out if there was anyone who saw the events in the park,” said Katherine Carter, a spokeswoman for the prosecutor’s office. “No witnesses ever came forward to say they saw all, or a portion, of the encounter.”There are a lot of unanswered questions about this incident. I can't help but to think there's more going on. This story is not over.
Ms. Carter declined to comment on what evidence was presented to the grand jury, which decided on Friday not to indict the officer. The acting Essex County prosecutor, Carolyn A. Murray, told the Gaymon family late Monday, Ms. Carter said.
The family is suing Officer Esposito and the sheriff’s office in State Superior Court in Essex County. Christopher W. Kinum, a lawyer for the Gaymons, said, “We don’t feel like we got a legitimate investigation out of the prosecutor’s office.”
Charles J. Sciarra, a lawyer for the officer, said his client had testified voluntarily before the grand jury. “There was never a doubt that the use of force was an absolute last resort and justified in all aspects,” Mr. Sciarra said.
Acting Essex County Prosecutor Robert D. Laurino announced in an e-mail Saturday that 25-year-old Marquise Foster of North Plainfield surrendered at about 8 p.m. Saturday. Foster was wanted in Victoria Carmen White's Sept. 12 death.Laurino has said authorities are investigating whether White was killed because of her sexual orientation or gender identity. She was described as transgender. The prosecutor's office also is investigating whether a March 15 slaying was related to the victim's sexual orientation.Prosecutors said Foster was accompanied by an attorney. Bail was set at $1 million. He was being held on a murder charge. Authorities also are looking for a second suspect in White's death.
