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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#chris christie#civil unions#gay marriage#gay rights#homophobia#same-sex marriage#veto