Gay Marriage Bill a No-Go in N.J. Senate

The New Jersey Senate on Thursday put a major damper on the pro-gay marriage camp’s effort to score another victory for its cause in the Northeast, defeating a same-sex marriage bill by a vote of 14 yeas and 20 nays. Supporters had hoped that the bill would pass before Gov. Jon Corzine, who favors legalization of same-sex marriage, leaves office later this month.  —KA

The Philadelphia Inquirer:

Senators in favor of same-sex marriage compared the issue to the civil rights battles fought by African-Americans and women, while senators against argued the redefinition of the institution of marriage was a question best put to voters.

While expected, the defeat of the bill marks a significant blow to gay rights activists nationwide who had pinned their hopes on New Jersey.

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