New Jersey battle state in gay marriage fight

by Susan Marie Kovalinsky | December 9, 2009 at 05:45 am

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The legalization of gay marriage now faces a critical test in the state of New Jersey this week .

The controversial issue has advocates on both sides eyeing the state of New Jersey with a mixture of nervousness and optimism.

After losses in the states of Maine and New York, gay advocates believe Thursday's vote in New Jersey will shape the fate of gay-marriage battles across the nation.

If the proposal to legalize gay marriage passes the state Senate vote on Thursday, New Jersey could be on its way to joining five other U.S. states that allow gay couples to wed.
Advocates hope to pass the bill in the legislature so Governor Jon Corzine, a supporter, can sign it into law before leaving office next month. Incoming Republican Chris Christie, who defeated Corzine in November, has said he would veto it.

Opponents say they are "nervously optimistic" that lawmakers will not vote for the bill, as happened in neighboring New York last week. And they hope its defeat in the Garden State will end efforts to promote gay marriage nationally for some time.

"If New Jersey rejects gay marriage, this is the last hope the gay marriage movement has of legislatively approving gay marriage any time in the foreseeable future," said Maggie Gallagher, head of the National Organization for Marriage. "It's an important vote."

Five U.S. states have legalized gay marriage -- Iowa, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. Another 40 states have specific laws banning it. Last month voters in Maine repealed a gay marriage law.

"THAT'S A WINNING YEAR"

Advocates say the New Jersey battle caps a year of victories. Gay marriage became legal in Vermont and Iowa in 2009 and takes effect Jan. 1, 2010 in New Hampshire.

In the District of Columbia, a city council vote on same-sex marriage is set for next week, with a win likely.