Democratic leaders in New Jersey will seek to reintroduce same-sex marriage laws into state law after declaring it a civil rights issue and naming it a top priority for its new session Tuesday.
The last attempt to pass gay marriage in the state resulted in a contentious loss in the Senate by a 14-20 vote. But in a recent turn of events, Senate President Stephen Sweeny (D) said he has the 21 necessary votes to pass the measure into the upper house. Previously, Sweeny abstained from the December 2009 vote.
A Trenton press conference shed a light of uncertainty on the matter as Sweeny avoided answering questions whether or not the votes to pass same sex marriage were indeed confirmed.
“We’ll work to do what we have to do … We’re going to work toward an override if necessary,” said Sweeney according to NJ Spotlight. “We have many more Democratic votes.”
Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen) explained that some Republicans have come forward to support the bill. Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth) supports the bill, although reports indicate she did not attend the hearing Monday.
“I don’t give up on issues very easily,” said Weinberg, who cosponsors the bill. “This is, I think, a very bright moment in history for the state of New Jersey and indeed for civil rights in the state of New Jersey.”
Whether or not Gov. Chris Christie will override the bill should it pass Senate still remains speculation.
