Posted by AzBlueMeanie:
Breaking news today: New Jersey Supreme Court greenlights gay marriage starting Monday:
The New Jersey Supreme Court on Friday said gay marriages can begin taking place starting Monday, brushing aside a request from Gov. Chris Christie's (R) administration for a delay as it appeals.
"We conclude that the State has not made the necessary showing to
prevail … and that the public interest does not favor a stay," the judges wrote. "We therefore deny the State's motion for a stay."
The court ruled [unanimously] that the state has "not shown a reasonable
probability it will succeed on the merits," which will be argued in
January.
Christie's administration is appealing a lower-court ruling from
last month that legalized gay marriage, but his press secretary Michael
Drewniak said in a statement Friday the governor will comply with the
ruling.
"The Supreme Court has made its determination," Drewniak said. "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."
The court scheduled oral arguments for early January.
New Jersey will become the 14th state to recognize same-sex marriage, in addition to the District of Columbia.
Since July, gay rights groups have also engaged in a campaign
aimed at persuading lawmakers to override Christie's 2012 veto of a bill
that would have allowed gay marriage. To get an override, the
Legislature must act by Jan. 14.