''If the Democrats don't enact marriage equality now, after years of telling us to wait, wait, wait, it will cause a huge schism between the state Democratic Party and not just the gay community, but the entire progressive base. And it could change the political landscape of New Jersey permanently.''
Steven Goldstein of Garden State Equality, explaining the urgency needed for gay marriage supporters in the New Jersey state legislature to act now or for the opportunity to enact marriage equality to become much more difficult for the next several years. Current Democratic New Jersey Governor, John Corzine, is a strong supporter of same-sex marriage, but lost his bid for reelection earlier this month. His term in office office ends on January 19, 2010, and Republican Chris Christie steps in. The incoming Christie has already said he will veto any gay marriage bill. So, the window of opportunity is quite small to pass legislation to legalize marriages in that state as the new governor's term will last another 4 years. (New York Times)
''Let's vote our conscience. I hope your conscience says support marriage equality, but if it doesn't, I understand your view. What I can't understand is not voting.''
Democratic State Senator Ray Lesniak urging his fellow legislators to vote on the bill to legalize same-sex marriage before incoming Republican Governor Chris Christie can veto a positive decision. However, it does not appear that enough supporters of gay and lesbian marriage equality are willing to spend political capital on the issue since current Democratic Governor John Corzine, who promised to sign the bill, lost his bid for reelection. (Star-Ledger)
