Christie heats up New Jersey gay marriage debate

by smkovalinsky | November 8, 2009 at 05:07 am

217 views | 28 Recommendations | 9 comments

"They're here. They're on our home turf," Harris said, referring to the Washington, D.C.-based organization. "And we can't let them win."

~Jean Harris, Garden State Equality

Now that Chris Christie has been elected Governor of the state of New Jersey, groups defending traditional marriage have come out in full force. Christie promised in his campaign speeches that he would veto gay marriage, and favors a federal amendment banning it nationally.

Gay marriage defenders listened in silence as a radio ad bought by the National Organization for Marriage blared from the speakers in an Asbury Park Church gym. Christie's election has given new confidence and energy to the anti-gay marriage camp in New Jersey:

The battle over same-sex marriage in New Jersey took on new urgency for both sides last week when Chris Christie, a Republican, beat Gov. Jon Corzine, a Democrat, in the gubernatorial election. Since Christie opposes same-sex marriage and Corzine supports it, the upcoming lame-duck legislative session may be the last opportunity for a vote on same-sex marriage measure for at least four years.
"After the lame-duck session I think we're confident you're not going to see same-sex marriage brought up," said Brian Brown, executive director of the National Organization for Marriage. "Because Christie said he would veto it."

With Corzine still in office for 10 weeks, both sides are intensifying efforts to advertise, lobby, and press supporters to contact legislators, through the end of the lame-duck session that starts later this month.

National organizations are offering support to state-based groups on both sides.

Human Rights Campaign and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, two national gay-rights groups, are donating staff members to Garden State Equality, which drew 1,600 people at 11 meetings last week, raising $45,000.

Brown's group, on the other hand, is supporting the efforts of the New Jersey Family Policy Council, New Jersey Coalition to Preserve and Protect Marriage, and dioceses of the Catholic Church to oppose same-sex marriage

grassroots efforts.

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Hugh Askew

at 05:46 on November 8th, 2009

It would appear that the voters have spoken on the issue again.

Interesting that they all seem to vote the same way on it.

nanute

at 05:54 on November 8th, 2009

Washington State was an exception, I think? It is only a matter of time and demographics before the gay marriage issue becomes the law of the land. Older people that generally oppose the initiatives are a dying breed, and younger voters seem to be OK with marriage equality. Time will tell.

rng

at 09:28 on November 8th, 2009

Also as religious dogma observance declines which it does over time in all developed countries that objection will decline too It is is the pulpit messaging that gets the act beaten as it did in California where the observant Hispanics and African-Americans voted against on advice of the Church

Roy C

at 10:47 on November 8th, 2009

As religious dogma declined in the West, communism and fascism, not to mention a host of other "-isms", took its place.

The dogma is not inherent to the religion as such, though there are dogmatic religions. It is inherent to the nature of man.

nanute

at 13:19 on November 8th, 2009

The dogma is not inherent to the religion as such... What am I missing here?

Dogmata are found in many religions such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, where they are considered core principles that must be upheld by all followers of that religion. As a fundamental element of religion, the term "dogma" is assigned to those theological tenets which are considered to be well demonstrated, such that their proposed disputation or revision effectively means that a person no longer accepts the given religion as his or her own, or has entered into a period of personal doubt. Dogma is distinguished from theological opinion regarding those things considered less well-known. Dogmata may be clarified and elaborated but not contradicted in novel teachings (e.g., Galatians 1:8-9). Rejection of dogma is considered heresy in certain religions, and may lead to expulsion from the religious group.

Roy C

at 10:50 on November 8th, 2009

I would agree but it seems, for example, that more and more people oppose abortion in its present form. More and more people identify themselves as conservative, probably because of how bad Obama makes liberal look.

There are periods in history where the young institute more conservative policies when they see the more liberal policies of their parents as failures.

marianmo

at 08:13 on November 8th, 2009

its sad that all cant be treared equally

QueensHart

at 11:21 on November 8th, 2009

It is a person's internal decision of being equal not the worlds. It is silly to believe that the world has to change for something you can already have. This is much ado about soomething that could be settled within their souls and a good counselor. These gays need to go work in homeless shelters or welfare offices and see if they feel they are being mistreated. That piece of paper has nothing whatsover to do with equality. They have all the benefits all americans do . It seems to be they are wanting to change "philosophy and religiions". The state recognizes their unions. People these days want to get married on beaches , in special places not even the "churches."

Truth is what the good news is . Whoever speaks real truth. When consciousness is only one sided and sure of itself THAT is what does harm to life...the mystery of life. When we can see consciousness have a double attitude then it enlightens and does not harm it. A humble attitude is always what keeps the doors open rng for absolute necessity of the fact that one may be wrong morally or scientifically...we can admit but not for certain...and even the greatest certainty mayb be only negative , or something plausible in accordance with which one acts.

A conscious attitude connected with the "religious" attitude is what is required giving consideration to the unknown factor...then watch for the warning sign...something the gay 's will not do This is why we have a split in civilization ...not to wait til the religions disappear...how ignorant to believe this....well ignorant is unkind...unconscious is better.. until this is understood all the fighting groups with their DEMANDS for this and that will never "heal" our civilization. It has .......................has to be within individuals ..not denominations, not isms PERIOD.

t k kidwai

at 11:49 on November 8th, 2009

An elected governor of NJ is flouting democratic norms by supporting opponenets of gay and lesbian rights.Although they may be in minority but their sexual preference must be taken into account,their voices heard with patience and compassion.

Clergy calls is sexual disorientation,unnatural and against tenets of religion/s,defiance of will of God and so on.Gays and lesbians must be provided an opportunity to counter these arguments in support of their rights.

Majority should not be allowed to trample upon rights of minorities as long as it doesn't pose any serious threat to state.