New Jersey Senate votes down same-sex marriage bill

By Michael J.W. Stickings

Not great news from my one-time home state. From The Star-Ledger:

The state Senate rejected a same-sex marriage bill today, a major victory for opponents who contend the measure would infringe on religious freedom and is not needed because the state already permits civil unions.

The 20-14 vote defeating the measure followed an hour and a half of public debate inside the packed Senate chamber. The nearly thousand supporters and opponents of the bill held rallies on the Statehouse steps.

The measure fell seven votes short of the 21 needed for passage.

First, enough with "religious freedom." All that means is institutionalized bigotry. What should matter are the human and civil rights of individuals, the freedome of individuals, not whether religions are free to discriminate.

Second, at least New Jersey allows same-sex civil unions. This isn't enough, I agree, but it's not like the state is like, say, Alabama.

For how it all played out yesterday, see Pam Spaulding. Up next is the Assembly, which is scheduled to hold a vote next Monday. Then, of course, the courts.

Ultimately, New Jersey will legalize same-sex marriage, but it will take time. In the meantime, the fight for the right of gays and lesbians to be treated like equal citizens continues.