4:45PM EST: The state Senate rejected a same-gender marriage bill today, a major victory for opponents who contend that the measure would damage religious freedom and is not needed because the state already permits civil unions.
The 14 to 20 vote followed hours of public debate inside the packed Senate chamber, and loud, often-contentious rallies on the Statehouse steps, with hundreds of supporters and opponents of the measure making their voices heard.
Statewide polls have shown New Jersey residents closely divided on same-gender marriage, and leading up to today’s vote, indicators showed a majority of the senators opposing the measure.
But momentum for the bill grew after Gov. Jon Corzine lost the November election. He has promised to sign the measure before Gov.-elect Chris Christie takes office. Christie has said he opposes the bill.
Last month, the legislation cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee after hours of emotional debate and testimony, which set the stage for today’s full Senate showdown.
(Source: NJ Star Ledger)
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8 Responses
Wonderful! Mazel Tov!
Baruch hashem!this a win for all g-d fearing people!
Please, let’s all thank the Hareidi activists who had the guts and took time off from their busy schedules to actually travel to Tenton and face-down the Toeva people who tried to intimidate everyone there.
Boruch Hashem!
boruch hashem!!! this is great news! almost as good as the news that CALIFORNIA (of all places) turned that bill down!
Finally I can get back to yeshiva and learn something.
This will help every man, woman and child of the Jewish people. Including the toeva ones themselves!
Baruch Hashem! Corzine should be more than finished in politics. Let’s hope Christie can restore NJ.