Gay marriage in New Jersey has taken a swing into the right direction after Newark Mayor Cory Booker blasted the state governor’s decision to leave the question of gay marriage up to a referendum.
“Dear God, we should not put civil rights issues to a popular vote to be subject to the sentiments and passions of the day,” said Booker in Friday’s statement. “No minority should have their civil rights subject to the passions and sentiments of the majority.”
Gov. Chris Christie has been adamant about vetoing a gay marriage bill should it advance through legislation, explaining, “I need to be governed by the will of the people,” the New Jersey Star-Ledger is reporting.
Booker countered that civil rights should not be left in the hands of people, adding: “It’s about time we create first-class citizenship for every American, plain and simple. Every New Jerseyan. This should not be a popular vote. This is something we should do now.”
The gay marriage debate heats up in Trenton Friday as leaders converge to discuss the topic. “Equal protection under the law – for race, religion, gender or sexual orientation – should not be subject to the most popular sentiments of the day,” Booker said. “Marriage equality is not a choice. It is a legal right. I hope our leaders in Trenton will affirm and defend it.”
In October 2009, Booker formed the City of Newark Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning Concerns Advisory Commission. Booker has been a strong ally for the LGBT community, having since refused to perform marriage at City Hall in favor of what he calls inequalities in New Jersey’s marriage laws.
