New Jersey Gay Marriage: Chris Christie Vows 'Very Swift Action' On Bill

TRENTON, N.J. -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is promising "very swift action" on gay-marriage legislation he opposes if it makes it to his desk.

The Republican governor opposes same-sex nuptials and has vowed to veto the bill. The bill passed in the state Senate on Monday and is due to go before the Assembly on Thursday.

At a news conference on Tuesday, Christie virtually guaranteed the Legislature would not muster the votes needed to override his veto. Support from Republican lawmakers would be needed to overturn Christie in the Senate and the Assembly.

Christie accuses Democrats of engaging in political theater by moving a gay-marriage bill through the Legislature knowing he won't sign it. He says hopefully lawmakers will soon be able to "move on" from the issue.

Democrats say they're taking an important step forward for civil rights.

Comments

[sfsj]

01:12 AM on 02/17/2012

I think of his poor children and grandchildren who will grow up with their dad in the history books -- on the wrong side of history -- on the wrong side of civil rights, the wrong side of equality. Equality is happening. It's turned a corner in our country (yay!) and most young people support equality. So let him go down in the history books -- a picture of Governor Christy vetoing a legislatively approved bill for equality and equal civil rights for gay people right in the middle of when the tide was clearly turning in America toward equality. Wrong side of history, Mr. Christy - and there will be a picture of you. How can these folks be against equality when they tout the Constitution as their guiding force? This creates EQUALITY! This is exciting stuff! How out of touch can he be?

[Ioan Lightoller]

12:39 PM on 02/16/2012

Probably the only "swift" action he'll ever be likely to take.

[mr e vader]

12:43 PM on 02/16/2012

Not sure if I would like to get between him and the dessert line at Old Country Buffet when they put out a new pan of cheesecake...

[Ioan Lightoller]

12:59 PM on 02/16/2012

I believe I wouldn't like that myself!

[Ioan Lightoller]

03:25 PM on 02/19/2012

I KNOW I wouldn't.

[tomtor13]

02:25 AM on 02/17/2012

Hopefully, Christie body slams this dumb legislation into the sewer where it belongs. Marriage was never intended to be between people of the same sex. Not in 1950,60, 1980 or now. What makes gay marriage a civil right now when it never was before. Oh...I forgot...liberals have found something in the constitution that nobody ever found before. All of a sudden it's there!!!
And don't compare this to race. It's in no way the same. Most black people know it too. Put it to a vote of the people and see what happens.

[Ioan Lightoller]

03:20 PM on 02/19/2012

That's only in your small mind. You have given NO reason why marriage cannot be expanded to include same sex couples. Grow up-. It does not affect your life in the least.

[J Michael Norris]

11:30 AM on 02/16/2012

1. They make up less than 2% of the poplulation, so why should we worry about their marriages--it's a small minority trying to force the majority to their whims.

2. There are clear laws in the Bible against their types of "marriages".

3. It should be up for states to decide who they allow to marry, and most states have voted to outlaw it. The will of the people should be followed.

4. It goes against our country's definition of marriage since it was founded.

5. If it is legal, it will send the message to children that this is okay.

(The above were arguments used against interracial marriage equality in the 1950's)

[lacrosselamore]

09:59 AM on 02/16/2012

Chubby is mad because he has to take a stand. He has to sign up to be on the wrong side of history.
He has to do what will keep him a viable candidate for POTUS in 2012, but what will kill his chances in 2016 and beyond when he actually runs.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you George Wallace REdoux.

[escher3360]

09:48 AM on 02/16/2012

Political theater? Duh..... Like that is unique to Democrats only. At least the subject at hand is worthy of any and all efforts regardless of what they are called. Gay rights are human rights and marriage rights should be available regardless of ethnic background, religious affiliation, sexual identity, skin color, body shape/size, etc. See how easy it is to be inclusive Governor Christie?

[mick 7]

09:33 AM on 02/16/2012

marriage is between one woman and one man...what don't you get!!!

[escher3360]

09:49 AM on 02/16/2012

Says who? You? Your ignorance answers that question.

[lacrosselamore]

10:00 AM on 02/16/2012

Your 17th century morality lesson.

[gaydood]

09:07 AM on 02/16/2012

so swift is 3 weeks?

[lacrosselamore]

10:01 AM on 02/16/2012

It takes him that long to walk down the drive to pick up the paper, if he doesen't use his HoverRound.

[gaydood]

11:14 AM on 02/16/2012

lol

[oakspondman]

07:57 AM on 02/16/2012

He rteally needs to consult his advisors on this. A veto can kill his chances for VP, or even POTUS. He better find a way to sign it and save himself for his future.

[escher3360]

09:53 AM on 02/16/2012

Shhhhhh! Don't give him any good advice. He might listen! Nahhh. Go ahead. He won't listen. Meanwhile with any luck he will maintain his ignorance and save us from the peril of his achieving either of the positions that you mention.

[Adam Sass]

08:51 PM on 02/15/2012

Jut because he's threatened to veto it doesn't it make an act of useless political "theater." It's never the wrong time to do the right thing. If he returned Washington Gov. Gregoire's call, he might begin to understand that.

[Ed Baker]

05:49 PM on 02/15/2012

He will be very very sorry if he vetoes this.

The black crows are already building a file on him.

It will be the end of him.

[gaydood]

05:38 PM on 02/15/2012

HUMMM hes not very swift

[gaydood]

04:59 PM on 02/15/2012

did swifty do his swift thing yet?

[LukeGed]

03:54 PM on 02/15/2012

Words cannot describe how much contempt I hold for this man. This is a guy who orders half mast for Whitney Houston. Christie demands the same respect for a hollywood drug addict as our fallen soldiers, police officers, and firefighters. I hope his time in politics and this state is running short.

[americanwoman1]

11:15 PM on 02/15/2012

She had a beautiful voice, she chose over and over to destroy her life with drugs, may she rest in peace. She does not deserve to have the flag flown at half mast, Christies decision is shocking. What a message he sends to the youth of New Jersey, Its okay to be drug addict, as long as you sing a pretty song.......

[Turtlenewz]

11:30 PM on 02/15/2012

He is catering to the African American vote

[hemorrhage]

03:34 PM on 02/15/2012

HuffPo Editors - New Jersey has been an independent state for more than 225 years. They are not a section of NY. Why is this article listed under the New York section? Please show a little more respect to both states... if not, why no stories about Texas in the New York section?

[Turtlenewz]

11:31 PM on 02/15/2012

because Texas is not across the river from New York State

[lacrosselamore]

10:03 AM on 02/16/2012

True. New York should be up in arms.....

[hemorrhage]

11:47 AM on 02/16/2012

Personally, I think its an insult to both states, but if you want NJ to be treated as New York's stepchild, feel free.

[reasonseason]

02:43 PM on 02/15/2012

If you REALLY want to see swift action, the New Jersey Marriage Equality Bill should be amended as follows:

"In order to obtain a license to marry in the State of New Jersey, same sex couples must provide Governor Christie with unencumbered access to all nuptial pastries."