Christie Says He'd Veto Same-Sex Marriage Bill A Second Time
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said Wednesday that he would veto a same-sex marriage bill again.
Appearing on TownSquare Media's "Ask the Governor," Christie said Wednesday he remains opposed to gay marriage but is willing to put the question to voters.
State Sen. Barbara Buono, the Democrat running against Christie, asked for an override vote to be scheduled Thursday, but Senate President Steve Sweeney said that won't happen.
This past Monday, Buono's openly lesbian daughter blasted Christie for his position. Tessa Bitterman sent an e-mail to her mother's supporters Monday, saying she has a stake in the election because she is a gay American.
"As governor, he has been a giant roadblock to New Jersey achieving equality for all," she wrote.
New Jersey is among a handful of states that offers civil unions, but not same-sex marriage.
Christie's remarks came the same day the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a provision of a federal law denying federal benefits to married gay couples and cleared the way for the resumption of same-sex marriage in California.
In a 5-4 ruling, the court struck down a provision of the Defense of Marriage Act that has prevented married gay couples from receiving a range of tax, health and retirement benefits that are generally available to married people.
A group of same-sex couples and their children will file a motion next week asking a judge to force the state to recognize same-sex marriage after the Supreme Court ruling.
You May Also Be Interested In These Stories
(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
