New Jersey Senate passes marriage equality

February 13, 2012

By Jacob Combs

The New Jersey Senate approved a marriage equality bill today, passing the measure by a vote 0f 24 to 16.  Two Republicans, Senators Jennifer Beck and Diane Allen crossed the aisle to join the majority.  In addition, three Democrats who voted no in 2009 voted yes today, and three other Democrats who abstained in 2009 also joined the majority.  Those numbers are significant: in just a little more than two years, eight state legislators changed their mind on the issue.  Whether those changes of heart were truly substantive or rather merely political is largely irrelevant–what matters is the marked shift in momentum in the chamber on the issue.

The marriage equality bill nows goes to the state Assembly on Thursday, where it is expected to pass.  Regardless of whether the bill is vetoed by Gov. Chris Christie, today’s vote shows that the balance is shifting in our favor.  Congratulations, New Jersey!

Filed under: Marriage equality

13 Comments Leave a Comment

  • 1. bythesea  |  February 13, 2012 at 1:03 pm

    Good News and an override doesn't look so out of reach if needed either.

  • 2. Ann S.  |  February 13, 2012 at 1:25 pm

    §

  • 3. Bob  |  February 13, 2012 at 1:28 pm

    woot woot

  • 4. DaveP  |  February 13, 2012 at 1:43 pm

    Another domino falls!

  • 5. Balu Vellanki  |  February 13, 2012 at 2:20 pm

    How many votes do we need for the override? 24 to 16 seems like 60%.

  • 6. bythesea  |  February 13, 2012 at 2:25 pm

    Three more Senate votes to override in the Senate.

  • 7. Rich  |  February 13, 2012 at 3:20 pm

    This is great news. We need to keep up the energy, the volunteerism, the financial support (I think NOM is in financial straits) and most importantly the conviction that this is the right thing to do if not just for us, then for the millions of gay kids who count on us to carry the torch, call out the homophobes and pave the way for them to grow into a world that accepts them, appreciates who they are and the families they create. I'm in my later years and finishing up a full career in education. I see our newest crop of citizens and I know that they don't really know our history. But this they do know. They know what's fair and what's not. They know that bigotry and fear of minorities has no place in their world. They know that no God would condemn a class of people who never had a choice in whom they would become. They have friends, family, parents, teachers, bosses, co-workers, neighbors who are gay…and they don't care. The appreciate the many contributions of the gay community because they recognize that this world is that much richer for its diversity. And the last thing they would ever expect is that their country, their world, their community would effectively tell any gay, committed, loving couple: "You're not one of us. You don't count. You are not worthy of being married".
    These kids, gay and straight are our future, people. If for no other reason fight the good fight, take the hits but soldier on. Equality is forever and it's within our grasp. They will thank us in the years to come.

  • 8. Bob  |  February 13, 2012 at 4:14 pm

    I agree Rich,, well said,,,,, and like the courts affirmed in Lawrence vs Texas,,, don't demean us, and don't interfere with our DESTINY!!!!!!!!!

  • 9. Bob  |  February 13, 2012 at 4:15 pm

    does that make the required 27 confirmed ??

  • 10. Jim  |  February 13, 2012 at 5:30 pm

    Eloquently stated, Rich.

  • 11. Prop 8 Trial Tracker &raq&hellip  |  February 13, 2012 at 5:43 pm

    [...] equality should be seen as a partisan issue, and Republicans like Ted Olson (and the Republican senators who voted for marriage equality today in New Jersey) deserve commendation for their support. [...]

  • 12. bythesea  |  February 13, 2012 at 7:31 pm

    No it means they need three more votes to override. It seems likely that there are probably at least three more votes that are persuadable, but not secured at all at this point.

  • 13. Mark M. (Seattle)  |  February 13, 2012 at 7:44 pm

    Truly a great day for equality's march forward!!

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