NJ Gov Jon Corzine Talks Marriage Equality at Pride in Asbury Park
New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine took his stump speech to Asbury Park's Pride celebration on Sunday and promised marriage equality for the state.
Said Corzine: "You might know there's a little election coming up in about 148 days and six hours. And you know what? Marriage equality is on the ballot. Are you going to help us make it come to pass in New Jersey? This is fundamental to what we are about as a country, what we are about as a people. Human rights, civil rights are absolutely key. In God's eyes we are all one people. And we need to recognize that and behave that way on the Earth as we will in eternity. It is important that we make sure we stand up for everybody's rights and I'm going to be the governor that will bring that to the State of New Jersey if you'll help me this fall."
Watch it, AFTER THE JUMP...
Jeremy at Good As You notes that his GOP challenger Chris Christie couldn't be more wrong on the issue.
Posted Jun. 9,2009 at 9:38 AM EST by Andy Towle in Gay Marriage, Gay Pride, Jon Corzine, New Jersey, News | Permalink
Why are some pride celebrations earlier than others? Is there a general weekend or just "in June"? We don't have anything in DC until this weekend.
Posted by: K | Jun 9, 2009 11:21:56 AM
Wasn't marriage equality "on the ballot" last time we elected you, Mr. Corzine? Where's the progress? Why should I trust that this time you'll take action when you didn't last time? Why should I think that you won't immediately start thinking about the next election instead?
Posted by: Pender | Jun 9, 2009 2:13:30 PM
It's up to the NJ legislature to make a marriage equality bill. However, the governor has to sign or veto it. While Corzine has unequivocally said he will sign it, his opponent, Chris Christie, has said he will veto it.
As we've seen in New Hampshire and California, a Democratic legislature can pass a gay marriage bill only to have a Republican governor derail it. In the case of New Hampshire, at the governor's insistence, the bill was revised to legalize religious discrimination against gays. And those are two allegedly moderate Republicans, not the vocally pro-life and anti-gay Christie.
Due to New Jersey's crumbling budget and the attendant frustration at Corzine, I have my doubts on whether he can win against Christie. Unfortunately, whether gay marriage will be legal soon in New Jersey will hinge on the results of that election.
Posted by: Penetration | Jun 9, 2009 7:50:47 PM
I, for one, am sick of all the cowards running this state and country. This is NOT the land of the free unless you are brave enough to finally offer equal treatment to all. I am tired of throwing my vote to supposedly progressive politicians who MAY do something for us but never actually have the balls or character to do it. Not Clinton. Not Obama. And not Corzine! In protest, until they come around, I will be voting for the MOST conservative and right-wing candidates I can find in New Jersey. IOWA grants same-sex marriage and we're not even close?????? That's shameful.
Posted by: Matt in NJ | Jun 22, 2009 11:12:42 AM
Don't throw your vote away! There are times when progress is slow-insuring that a corrupt,right wing candidate wins in the Fall is not the way to show your frustration over the lack of progress in NJ. Staying committed and organized in the face of opposition is the only way to go. A vote for Governor Corzine means a step in the right direction. A vote for Christie means several steps backward to the failed and anti-LGBT policies of the Bush era.
Posted by: robert | Oct 12, 2009 11:57:41 PM