Politics & Government

Gay Marriage Can Begin Monday in New Jersey

State supreme court denied Gov. Christie's request for a stay on same-sex marriage.

Written by Anthony Bellano

The State Supreme Court ruled same-sex marriages can begin on Monday on a provisional basis, nj.com reports.

A final ruling will come next year, but the Supreme Court ruled “the public interest does not favor a stay,” according to the report.

Superior Court Judge Mary C. Jacobson ruled last month that same-sex marriages would become legal effective Monday, but Gov. Chris Christie filed an appeal directly to the State Supreme Court and requested a stay. When his request for a stay was initially denied, he appealed that ruling to the Supreme Court.

Christie previously stated he believes the voters of New Jersey should determine the legality of same-sex marriage in the state.

Find out what's happening in New Milfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"The Supreme Court has made its determination,” Michael Drewniak, Press Secretary to Gov. Christie said in a statement issued Friday afternoon. “While the Governor firmly believes that this determination should be made by all the people of the State of New Jersey, he has instructed the Department of Health to cooperate with all municipalities in effectuating the order of the Superior Court under the applicable law."

“I praise this decision - and I welcome marriage equality to New Jersey starting on Monday. It’s yet another win for equal protection under the law,” State House Speaker Sheila Oliver said in a prepared statement.“It’s a shame it took this long to get to this point and that it took a court fight for same-sex couples to gain equal rights. New Jersey could have had marriage equality already if it wasn’t for Gov. Christie, who has done everything he could to prevent this from happening, including wasting money and time continuing this court battle.”

Find out what's happening in New Milfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in 2006 that same-sex couples can receive the rights and benefits heterosexual couples were granted through marriage, but left it up to the state Legislature to determine what it should be called. The Legislature decided on the term civil union.

Six couples filed a request against state officials that led to Jacobson’s initial ruling.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here