Et tu, Christie?: Gov. Chris Christie at a town hall meeting in Caldwell, N.J., earlier this month.
Talk about a killjoy: After a long slog and Thursday’s sweet victory in the New Jersey Assembly, the same-sex marriage bill that had managed to make it through all the legislative steps except one was vetoed Friday by Gov. Chris Christie. Christie deflected part of the blame by saying the issue is of such importance that it should be decided by New Jersey voters in a referendum, but some legislators aren’t buying that. —KA
The Washington Post:
In returning the bill to the Legislature, Christie reaffirmed his view that voters should decide whether to change the definition of marriage in New Jersey. His veto also proposed creating an ombudsman to oversee compliance with the state’s civil union law, which same-sex couples have said is flawed and promotes discrimination.
“I am adhering to what I’ve said since this bill was first introduced — an issue of this magnitude and importance, which requires a constitutional amendment, should be left to the people of New Jersey to decide,” Christie said in a statement. “I continue to encourage the Legislature to trust the people of New Jersey and seek their input by allowing our citizens to vote on a question that represents a profoundly significant societal change. This is the only path to amend our State Constitution and the best way to resolve the issue of same-sex marriage in our state.
[...] “Don’t be fooled by the governor’s call for a public referendum or his idea of an ombudsman for civil unions — it is nothing more than a political smoke screen designed to cover the tracks of those retreating from their leadership and lawmaking responsibilities,” Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg said. “Civil unions have already proven to be a failure and no ombudsman can change that.”
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His fat ass isn’t sexually active anyway. He is
frustrated because the gay guys can get up and he
can’t. It’s unbelieveable how one guy can ruin
happiness for so many
“...the issue is of such importance that it should be decided by New Jersey voters in a referendum.”
Interesting that Governor Christie believes that the question is so important that it should require a direct vote by the citizens of New Jersey.
Following his wishes would essentially deny the legislature their role in deciding policy for the state. That is if you believe that the people have already spoken through the legislators whom they elected to serve in the legislature.
Of course you may believe that the issue deserves a referendum as Mr. Christie does, but if so, is there any issue that shouldn’t be decided by a similar approach (referendum), and if so, what good is a legislature?
By Marian Griffith, February 18 at 2:04 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
I guess Christie believes he knows better what the people want than the people themselves do.
I mean, he sent the bill back because he wants the voters to speak out.
And here I was thinking that the elected representatives of those voters just did that?
Massive Wildfire Rages in New Mexico
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By berniem, February 19 at 2:23 pm Link to this comment
I guess in a way Christie is Bigger than the will of the people!
Report thisBy Rodney, February 19 at 2:05 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
If civil rights were decided by a vote, blacks would
Report thisstill be slaves in the south and women would’t have the
right to vote.
By Rodney, February 18 at 6:52 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
His fat ass isn’t sexually active anyway. He is
Report thisfrustrated because the gay guys can get up and he
can’t. It’s unbelieveable how one guy can ruin
happiness for so many
By thethirdman, February 18 at 5:44 am Link to this comment
I also have a hard time getting over how fat he is. I hope he doesn’t consider himself a Christian.
Report thisBy Dr Bones, February 18 at 5:00 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
They hate us for our freedom?
Report thisBy Allan Krueger, February 18 at 4:26 am Link to this comment
They should never have given him the bill until AFTER he came back from lunch at Kentucky Fried Chicken!
Report thisBy allen, February 18 at 4:19 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
“...the issue is of such importance that it should be decided by New Jersey voters in a referendum.”
Interesting that Governor Christie believes that the question is so important that it should require a direct vote by the citizens of New Jersey.
Following his wishes would essentially deny the legislature their role in deciding policy for the state. That is if you believe that the people have already spoken through the legislators whom they elected to serve in the legislature.
Of course you may believe that the issue deserves a referendum as Mr. Christie does, but if so, is there any issue that shouldn’t be decided by a similar approach (referendum), and if so, what good is a legislature?
Report thisBy Marian Griffith, February 18 at 2:04 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
I guess Christie believes he knows better what the people want than the people themselves do.
I mean, he sent the bill back because he wants the voters to speak out.
Report thisAnd here I was thinking that the elected representatives of those voters just did that?