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Open Thread - Marriage Equality Hearing in Senate Judiciary

by: Rosi Efthim

Tue Jan 24, 2012 at 10:37:09 AM EST



UPDATE: Hearing is now underway.
UPDATE: At Bridgewater "Town Hall" Gov. Christie calls for public referendum on marriage.

Marriage Equality hearing senate Judiciary 1/12
Waiting
This is the audience, those lucky enough - who got there early enough - to get seats for the Senate Judiciary hearing on S-1, the marriage equality bill sponsored by senators Loretta Weinberg and Ray Lesniak. The audience, some of whom will be testifying themselves, is in waiting mode - hearing is scheduled for 11am. Blue Jersey has been told by Senate President Steve Sweeney, who infamously abstained when marriage equality came up for a vote two years ago, that today he will lead off the testimony, in support of marriage equality. Sweeney joins Weinberg and Lesniak as a primary sponsor of S-1, along with Dick Codey and Nia Gill as co-sponsors.

At 90 minutes before testimony was scheduled to begin, doors opened to a line that snaked out into the lobby. Within minutes, every seat in the hearing room was full.

Two ways (or both) to follow:

  • Follow Blue Jersey on Twitter.
  • Listen LIVE here.
    Please note: You'll need Windows Media Player, which takes a few moments to download. There's a link for it on the Statehouse media page. Hearings often start late, so keep refreshing the page until it's up.

    Loretta
    Loretta Weinberg tells press she hopes new NJ Supreme Court nominee Bruce Harris will gain the right to marry his partner

    Opponents of marriage equality gathered in the statehouse cafeteria hours in the early morning. Garden State Equality supporters are wearing deep blue Equality tee-shirts under their coats.

    What do you think will happen to this bill after today? Are the votes are there in the Senate? In the Assembly? Are there enough votes to overturn a Christie veto? And will movement on this issue be enough to fire up the Democratic base left disaffected after an awful 2011? This is an Open Thread.  

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    Open Thread - Marriage Equality Hearing in Senate Judiciary | 135 comments
    Sen. Weinberg (0.00 / 0)
    Speaking outside to press, the marriage equality bill's prime sponsor Loretta Weinberg, just said that she's hopeful that that when marriage equality passes in NJ that the new Supreme Court nominee, Bruce Harris, will be able to marry his partner.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Answers to your questions (0.00 / 0)
    The bill will move to the Senate floor for a vote next month, and to the Assembly for a committee hearing and floor vote.  Yes. Probably yes. Too early to tell. No.  

    "The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die." - Sen. Ted Kennedy
    Senate floor (0.00 / 0)
    I'm told it will go to the Senate floor on 2/13

    Blog: http://www.deciminyan.org
    [ Parent ]
    Bill Orr (4.00 / 1)
    I think the most interesting story is almost entirely in that last No of yours. And I tend to agree. Good starts, like this one good as it is, don't make good years. We'll have to see.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    [ Parent ]
    Who's Who (0.00 / 0)
    It will be interesting to see among the committee members if all Dems vote in favor and if any Republicans vote in favor:
    Nicholas Scutari (D), Chair, Nia Gill (D), Vice Chair
    Chris Bateman (R), Gerald Cardinale (R), Michael Doherty (R), Joseph Kyrillos (R), Ray Lesniak (D), Kevin O'Toole (R), Nellie Pou (D), Paul Sarlo (D), Bob Smith (D), Loretta Weinberg (D)

    Note: In the photo those in red are opponents of the bill.

    "The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die." - Sen. Ted Kennedy

    [ Parent ]
    My guess (0.00 / 0)
    Is that all the Dems vote for it while the only GOper who joins the equality cause is Bateman  
    [ Parent ]
    Bateman's vote (0.00 / 0)
    If nothing else, it will give us a good sense of how he might vote when the vote goes to the floor.
    [ Parent ]
    Best of luck folks. Wish I could be there (4.00 / 1)
    with you, but I couldn't get there.  I'm supporting you from home with good thoughts and sending you my love.  

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Audio (0.00 / 0)
    I'm not hearing the audio. Anybody hearing it? The link seems to work and opens up the box, but I get no sound. Anybody?  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    I'm getting it... (0.00 / 0)
    ...here at work on a Windows machine. Waiting for a certain someone to be called up to testify. :-)
    [ Parent ]
    Now I am. (0.00 / 0)
    Infernal computer apparently trashed my Windows Media. Had to re-install - just in time for Len Deo and the Council on the American Family folks to tell us all about scripture, and "feelings", and the "erosion of public virtue".  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    [ Parent ]
    I took a bathroom break when they started speaking... (0.00 / 0)
    ...but made it back too soon. Ugh. It's hard to listen to this nonsense all over again. Thank goodness for the three minute rule.
    [ Parent ]
    Rosi, I think it's a 64 bit issue. (0.00 / 0)
    I couldn't play it until I opened the OLD Internet Explorer.  The audio won't run in a 64 bit browser...

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    What is this lady talking about?? (0.00 / 0)


    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    "Civil rights is not to be placed on a ballot". (4.00 / 1)


    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Christie favors referendum (0.00 / 0)
    Christie wants the issue of marriage equality on the ballot, to be decided "by the will of the people".

    That's not going to happen.

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    No Referendum (0.00 / 0)
    [ Parent ]
    Longer than my brothers' (4.00 / 1)
    Testifier up now introduces himself by saying his same-sex relationship has outlasted the marriages of all 3 of his brothers.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    This is so heartwrenching. (0.00 / 0)
    The failure of civil unions for loved ones looking for help from NJ hospitals is appalling.

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    From Joey Novick (0.00 / 0)
     - who is in one of the overflow rooms now. He's sitting near both supporters and opponents of S-1, and makes this observation:

    "Those on the side of the opposition tend to speak of those who are gay and lesbian in what you can tell are, for them, somewhat derogatory terms: Testimony from the opposition referring to "The homosexual" does this or "the homosexual" does that."


    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    Horst's testimony... (0.00 / 0)
    Am I hearing what I think I'm hearing? Seriously?
    [ Parent ]
    Seriously? (4.00 / 2)
    He's taking the Judiciary Committee's time to discuss what the world can leard from Anne Heche's caved-in love life with Ellen?

    What a skewed view of other people this guy has. He's got real life gay people in the room with him, with stable lives, and hopes and dreams like his own, and children that depend on them, and mortgages and trips to the dentist.... and he's talking Anne Heche?  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    [ Parent ]
    What do these religious guys (4.00 / 1)
    know about science and biology??  Do they even know there is no hard and fast definition of male and female?  Addiction???  This guy is really ticking me off.  

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    He was patently offensive (0.00 / 0)
    He should stick to his day job and leave psychology for people who are qualified.
    [ Parent ]
    Another hospital debacle.... (0.00 / 0)


    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    This is so moving... (0.00 / 0)


    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    "Civil-unioned" (0.00 / 0)
    This institution does violence even to the English language. It sounds absurd because it is.
    Civil union ...nn...ized (0.00 / 0)
    Reminds me of Blue Jersey's 1st (of 4) PSA's on marriage equality, the Think Equal series.

    "I'm married."
    And I'm civil union ...nn...ized."

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    [ Parent ]
    Anyone else listening to this (0.00 / 0)
    and crying too.  This is so sad....

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Heartbreaking (4.00 / 3)
    As a cancer survivor, one of my biggest fears is going through precisely what these individuals have. At the time of my second cancer diagnosis, my partner went to the hospital armed with a copy of our domestic partnership agreement and the full text of the DP law, particularly as it was at a Catholic hospital. I doubt married couples would have had to do the same. But we were lucky: the doctor was gay and came out to talk to my partner after the surgery.
    [ Parent ]
    Denial of rights (4.00 / 1)
    in a hospital emergency is an appalling event, and I don't think it's uncommon. Here are real families - in every way except recognition by New Jersey's law - declaring themselves as family. And here come all these self-appointed emissaries of God who tell them they're not, and that their lives are suspect.

    It makes me especially grateful for the religious leaders of all stripes who come out in favor of this civil right. That's real leadership.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    [ Parent ]
    I am hearing the 13 complaint Talking Point (0.00 / 0)
    given by all these anti-ME religious folks.  These guys have no heart if they could hear the previous testimony and continue to say the Civil Unions work.  

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    They just called those testifying liars (4.00 / 1)
    They basically got up there and called all the couples talking about their personal experiences liars. In other words, their prejudice trumps others' real world experience in their little minds. Disgusting.
    [ Parent ]
    So same-sex marriage will promote HIV? Huh? (0.00 / 0)
    Do these folks just make this stuff up as they go along? Can any clown testify?
    Oh no, another "morals" guy.... (0.00 / 0)
    Another guy who isn't Civil Unioned saying they work.  These guys are always talking sex while the civil unioned folks are talking about life and respect.  "Did he really just say "Kill this demon?"

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Yes, he did (0.00 / 0)
    The thing I really hope legislators remember is that all these arguments are, at their core, religion-based. We live in a secular society. Talk of demons and sin and abomination have no place whatsoever in a discussion of civil law.
    [ Parent ]
    PolitickerNJ (0.00 / 0)
    Is reporting that Senator Bateman will be voting No today

    There goes any chance of a veto proof majority  

    Does this guy even know who Steven Goldstein is?? (0.00 / 0)
    Where does this guy get anti-semitism out of this?

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Good for Sen. Weinberg... (0.00 / 0)
    ...for addressing that.
    [ Parent ]
    Another straight guy (0.00 / 0)
    comparing apples and oranges.  Calling it homosexual marriage again.   Fear mongering, blah blah blah.  The sky will fall, the seas will boil, etc. "He says "It is not a civil right." He's getting shouty.

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    HIV (4.00 / 3)
    Well, I'd say that the only threat to me when it comes to catching HIV is a heterosexual male.

    Let's ban those. Right away.

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    Yeah, but there are so damn many of them! (0.00 / 0)

    [ Parent ]
    Tell me about it, Aegletes. (0.00 / 0)
    Kidding, people. Love me some feminist, civil rights-embracing, well-read, smartypants men. You gayboys and straightboys, both.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    [ Parent ]
    Ban Joey? (4.00 / 1)
    I don't think that he would like that very much.
    [ Parent ]
    Loretta - stands up and calls them out (0.00 / 0)
    on using the anti-semitism card to divide folks.

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Episcopal Church member FOR ME (0.00 / 0)
    "Fidelity monagomy, respect".  Full dignity for same gender couples. Wonderful testimony.

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Loretta Weinberg (4.00 / 2)
    "I want to make the point that the Jewish community is very diverse."

    Sen. Weinberg puts the sanctimonious rabbi we just heard from in some context, as someone that does not represent her own entire faith. And she does so, at the same time as announcing to the room that the anti-semitic vandal who has attacked synagogues in Bergen County has been arrested.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    Reform & Reconstructionist rabbis (0.00 / 0)
    making a much more dignified, community-minded statement about the real-life couples and families in their congregations, than the backwards-leaning rabbis that came before them.

    Bravo.

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    [ Parent ]
    Same sex marriage reinforces and (0.00 / 0)
    supports ALL marriage.  I heartily agree.

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    "God's love is INCLUSIVE". (4.00 / 1)
    Another church Representative FOR ME.  Civil Right.  

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    I think that... (0.00 / 0)
    ...testimony should be submitted in writing first, reviewed by committee staffers representing both political parties, and only those making reasonable and relevant arguments should be allowed to use hearing time to testify.

    It is truly offensive to hear taxpayer money being wasted with every moment that some of these more extreme opponents of marriage equality are allowed to testify.

    Some of them (4.00 / 2)
    are so deeply in love with their own prejudices, so hidebound, that they sound ridiculous passing judgement on other people's lives.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    [ Parent ]
    That wouldn't be very democratic, Bert..... (4.00 / 1)


    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    [ Parent ]
    Why not? (0.00 / 0)
    The written testimonies could and should be read by the members of the committee and entered into the record, but for the purposes of this hearing, verbal testimony should be limited to those people on both sides of the issue who can make reasonable and relevant arguments.  If that is too much to ask from opponents of marriage equality, that should be their problem, not mine.
    [ Parent ]
    A lot of repitition (0.00 / 0)
    I am very glad that comments are being limited to three minutes. I still remember the endless and exhausting testimony two years ago. A lot of the testimony, particularly from clergy on both sides, does become repetitive after a while. What is more interesting to me is the direct experiences of same-sex couples as well as secular organizations that can speak to the legal and practical implications of marriage equality.
    [ Parent ]
    Another Rabbi for ME (0.00 / 0)
    speaking forcefully and heartfelt  - his voice shaking at times with emotion, to protect his congregation from discrimination.

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Minyan (0.00 / 0)
    Steven Goldstein notes we havea minyan of rabbis supporting marriage equality.

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Many religious folks showed up today (0.00 / 0)
    who recognize "Holiness and Beauty and the capacity to give and love."  
    Repeated plea of many of the rabbis and religious leaders to have their blessing same sex couples not be undone by other religious groups who wish to impose discrimination.  This is a common theme today among the religious folks coming to support ME.  They feel that they are being prevented from blessing ALL marriages.

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    NJTV - Bob the Builder (0.00 / 0)
    That's what NJTV was playing during some of the most emotional testimony. Now, it's Princess Gwennie Saves the Day on SuperWHY!

    Next up: Dinosaur Train.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    I think... (0.00 / 0)
    ...that Barack Obama stole his "Yes We Can" line from Bob the Builder.  He was probably watching TV with his kids while writing his NH speech, heard Bob use it, and thought, "Hey!  That's catchy!"
    [ Parent ]
    Who let Pa Kettle in? (0.00 / 0)
    It is only demeaning because this guy looks down on same sex couples to begin with. Otherwise, why would the word marriage be demeaning if ME passed?  

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Love of your car? (0.00 / 0)
    What is this fellow talking about? Some of these folks are so misguided ...

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    I know, I can't believe he said that. (0.00 / 0)
    It helps them discriminate if they can dehumanize the emotions and feelings of others.

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    [ Parent ]
    This guy is confusing morality with religion (0.00 / 0)
    First, many of the founding fathers were not religious. Second, they took pains to craft a secular constitution. Third, morality does not necessarily derive from religion.
    Whoa, a death threat? (0.00 / 0)
    We're supposed to read Romans Chapter I and fear death should we approve marriage equality? Did I hear that right?
    They think the sky will fall. (0.00 / 0)
    Fear is all they know. They certainly aren't thinking about happiness and love.

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    [ Parent ]
    He said the J word. (0.00 / 0)
    Blah blah blah,  bible verse.  Blah blah blah, Bible verse.  He is standing in the Legislature saying this is a religious issue.  

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Only person who hasn't been mentioned (0.00 / 0)
    says this guy up now, is Jesus Christ.

    Sigh. If Jesus was here, he'd kick your ass, and then officiate the marriage of your nice neighborboys, and those two ladies who met at the Christmas Party where you work. That's how I see it.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    Another Man Woman guy (0.00 / 0)
    who wants to have a theocracy quoting the bible.  THIS is why I skip church.  Does this guy understand that male and female are actually malleable definitions?  Is he aware you can be genetically one and physically the other, or even both?

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Am I listening to a sermon (0.00 / 0)
    Here's the issue I have: marriage equality is a matter of civil law. I just don't understand what all the talk about God has to do with it. I mean, are atheists not included in the bill? What does anyone's religion have to do with me? It's such a waste of time.
    An attorney (0.00 / 0)
    for ME.  An attorney who does family law.  Designation of pension benefits, transfers of properties are involved.  Calls Civil Union a band aid. One example for a couple who moves "Your rights have been changed." Additional costs and fees.  Stress on top of discrimination.  "We need to make the statutes easier."  

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    The state bar says (0.00 / 0)
    the Civil Union law "IS NOT WORKING".  

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Thomas Prol (4.00 / 1)
    Trustee of the NJ State Bar Association: Nobody has been able to come up here and truthfully tell you this (civil union) law is working.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    He is going over (4.00 / 1)
    putting civil rights issues to vote as it was for women in 1915.  We didn't get the vote then you'll remember.

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Ron Chen (4.00 / 1)
    Former NJ Public Advocate, present professor at Rutgers Law School. Has results of the 1915 public referendum on women's suffrage.

    Women didn't come out too well.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    Were women allowed to vote... (0.00 / 0)
    ...on that referendum?

    While I am not advocating for a referendum, gay men and women would at the very least be allowed to vote on their issue of concern.  The argument is a fair and reasonable one, but also somewhat of an apples and oranges situation.

    Since we vote for our legislators, isn't the legislative approach to achieving marriage equality a referendum of sorts?  

    [ Parent ]
    I'm Not a Lawyer, but (0.00 / 0)
    Didn't the Supreme Court already say that there needs to be marriage equality? How can it be put to a referendum? The case now is, are CUs the right thing, or do we need ME to guarantee the rights of same-sex couples?
    [ Parent ]
    Powerful testimony... (0.00 / 0)
    ...because it spoke to the matter of law itself. Theirs is very relevant.
    Another theocracy guy. (4.00 / 1)


    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Sweeney (0.00 / 0)
    With senators getting up, and sometimes turning their attention elsewhere as the 3 hour hearing goes on, Senate President Steve Sweeney has sat listening to almost all of it.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    This enfuriates me... (4.00 / 1)
    Some guy speaking for NOM who has no skin in this game gets to give a bible lesson, while my husband is still waiting in an overflow room to talk about concrete and real world ways in which the current law doesn't work. And he probably won't get to testify. Ridiculous. Do we live in a theocracy?
    Religious folks (0.00 / 0)
    I find that the religious opponents are mainly telling us that certain people should be denied rights because of how they see God; that it's their personal opinion about God that matters, not the lives of other people like those next to them in the room.

    I find that the religious supporters are mainly telling us that rights should be recognized because all people are worthy and capable of the kind of love marriage defines for the people in the room.

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    [ Parent ]
    I'm troubled by the lack of balance (0.00 / 0)
    When I think of the time allowed for people speaking from their personal experience as same sex couples as the legal experts on the one hand, and the massive amount of time for clergy on both sides, I can't help feeling that this hearing sounds more like a discussion of what god wants or doesn't want than what a discussion of the impact of the civil marriage statute on devoted couples in New Jersey.
    [ Parent ]
    Too much time (4.00 / 1)
    I think that unless the choice of who gets to testify has been purely random, far too many religious folks have been given the microphone. It's been tremendously valuable to hear religious people say how they value the members of their congregation who are gay. Important too, for the other side to hear the pious from the other side tell how some people are less than others.

    But I want to hear from more civiliians.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    [ Parent ]
    Precisely (0.00 / 0)
    Who sets the speaking order and number of people called to testify? I think this just muddies the water and makes this whole discussion seem like one of my-religion-trumps-yours, which ultimately is outside the prerogative of the NJ State Senate. I know that there are non-sectarian speakers eager and waiting to speak, some for the very first time, on this issue but who will not be able to speak.
    [ Parent ]
    This is why... (0.00 / 0)
    ...I argued earlier that testimony should be submitted in writing first and screened by committee staff.
    [ Parent ]
    I'm not certain (0.00 / 0)
    that it is not random. I'm hearing that a great number of religious leaders, both sides, signed up. Meaning, I'm not certain that my assumption that people were being "picked" to speak is correct.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    [ Parent ]
    I think... (0.00 / 0)
    ...that each side probably sets its own batting order, but I think that it would be better if testimonies were screened in advance by committee staffs.
    [ Parent ]
    I have to wonder (0.00 / 0)
    I can't help feeling that the clergy, on both sides, have taken up the lion's share of this hearing. I'm glad we had a few couples speaking from personal experience and that some non-sectarian organizations (e.g. legal experts) had a little time. But I'm surprised at the lack of balance. I'm just relieved the hearing was kept short compared to the excruciating session two years ago. Thirteen hours of sitting on a floor were not fun.
    [ Parent ]
    What do jobs have to do with this? (0.00 / 0)
    Is this guy complaining about the House Republicans for not passing the jobs bill but working on abortion and social issues instead?  "blindsided and betrayed?"  

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Another theocracy guy sitting in (0.00 / 0)
    the State Legislature seriously saying that there should be no separation of church and state.

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Exactly (4.00 / 1)
    But I'll bet he'd tell you he's a strict constructionist. LOL
    [ Parent ]
    More god talk (0.00 / 0)
    I went to bed and woke up in a theocracy.
    Another Pro- ME minister (0.00 / 0)
    who wants to marry MORE folks. :)

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    ...and who "gets" separation of church and state (0.00 / 0)

    [ Parent ]
    United Church of Christ (0.00 / 0)
    is authorized to perform same sex marriages.  This Pastor - is denied the right to perform a same sex marriage in NJ. She wants the right to help her congregants.

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Craig Hirshberg (4.00 / 1)
    Testifying now, my friend Craig, a Unitarian minister, who says she has to counsel same sex couples who come to her that the state does not sanction their union. Says if she had been told when she married her 30-plus years husband that she could only have a civil union - the lesser union - she would have been furious.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Unitarians are FOR ME for over 30 years. (0.00 / 0)
    "God does not discriminate and neither should the state."

     

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.

    Chaplain from Overlook Medical Center (0.00 / 0)
    Talks about how some of the same arguments made against marriage equality were once made for slavery.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Anyone who is married knows... (0.00 / 0)
    ...that there is no such thing as a CIVIL marriage.

    Ba-dum-bum-ching!

    OK, so I'm no Dick Codey.

    Last word (0.00 / 0)
    Apparently, the last word - the last panel - goes to the opponents.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Audience, listening & tweeting (0.00 / 0)
    photo

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    So was that guy FOR or AGAINST ME? (0.00 / 0)


    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Anne Heche ... again. (0.00 / 0)
    Seriously? The 2nd reference today to Anne Heche. Crazytalk.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    So what if it is a choice? (0.00 / 0)
    Even if it were the case, it is not a good argument against equality.
    [ Parent ]
    Is Anne Heche staging a comeback? (0.00 / 0)
    And yes, this whole talk about choice is ultimately beside the point. But the haters like to use it so they can paint us morally defective. When they're not suggesting we're mentally ill.
    [ Parent ]
    Another shouty Un-Jesus like guy (0.00 / 0)
    who is calling it "HOMOSEXUAL marriage" and purporting to be a "reformed gay".  This Licensed minister has anger management issues.  His God is an Angry Angry God.

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Love (0.00 / 0)
    "I have that with my dog. And I'm not married to my dog!"

    Yes, this guy gets the last word before the New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee makes what will certainly be one of the most important votes of this legislative session.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    No he didn't! He just compared same sex (0.00 / 0)
    relationship to having a dog.  These people are SO offensive on so many levels.

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Was that Santorum? (0.00 / 0)

    [ Parent ]
    That's EXACTLY what I was thinking... (0.00 / 0)


    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    [ Parent ]
    Voting now. (0.00 / 0)


    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    I'm taking the roll. (0.00 / 0)
    If somebody could post some of this eloquence as members vote ...?

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    An argument for Equal Protection (0.00 / 0)
    and a description of Representational democracy - and a Yes vote.

    Next compelling description of this as a Civil Rights issue.  Another Yes.

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.

    Lesniak addressed Christie directly (0.00 / 0)
    on the idea of a ballot initiative: "this isn't sports gambling. It's a matter of civil rights."
    Sarlo using his time to explain his vote/non-vote 2 years ago (0.00 / 0)

    Still trying to find that Rosa Parks quote (0.00 / 0)
    it was riveting....  

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Who is speaking now? (0.00 / 0)
    Just after Sarlo - my feed hiccuped.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Missed it... (4.00 / 1)
    I was busy reposting hubbie's NJEA's ME endorsement text.
    [ Parent ]
    Weinberg reminding Christie... (4.00 / 1)
    ...that the last time a civil right was put on the ballot, for women's suffrage, it lost. Calling out Reed and many others as her inspiration for voting yes.
    Loretta votes yes, but not before reminding (4.00 / 1)
    Christie that the last public referendum was the failed vote for Women's suffrage in 1915.

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Bateman taking his marching orders... (4.00 / 1)
    ...from the governor. Comparing bill to a ping pong ball. "Put it on the ballot."
    The first politically motivated speech (4.00 / 1)
    and calculated No vote.  

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Another weasel who will deny them a veto proof majority. (0.00 / 0)


    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    "torturing everybody?" (0.00 / 0)
    How is passing ME gonna torture people? Who precisely?

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    Passing ME would IMPROVE the economy. (0.00 / 0)
    Or do the Republicans not want the economy in NJ to get better before November?

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    My husband and I spent... (4.00 / 1)
    ...literally a boatload in New York, partly because it's so much more expensive there, that we would gladly have spent in New Jersey. The math is pretty simple: sales tax multiplied by all the money spent here in the state = money in the Treasury.
    [ Parent ]
    Congratulations!! (0.00 / 0)


    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    8 votes for, 4 against (4.00 / 1)
    S-1 is released to the full Senate.

    Thanks to all who followed and contributed to this thread and to our live Twitter feed, reported by Deciminyan. What are your thoughts about what was said?

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    Thank YOU (4.00 / 2)
    Rosi and Deciminyan for making this way of following the revival meeting, I mean, committee hearing possible.
    [ Parent ]
    LOL (0.00 / 0)
    Deciminyan is busy lining up people to get on camera. So, I'll pass that compliment along.

    Next up, Christie's push for a referendum on - apparently - on this particular civil right.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  

    [ Parent ]
    The four against votes were clearly (0.00 / 0)
    worried about the fallout for them, but could not vote against Christie.  Their voices sounded shaky and defensive.  I loved that quote about Rosa Parks. It was compelling and spot on appropriate.  I was riveted during that moment. It was historic.  I just wish I could find that quote to reprint it.  

    One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.
    In most cases, perhaps (0.00 / 0)
    But Doherty seems genuinely opposed from near as I can tell.
    [ Parent ]
    Oh, he is (4.00 / 1)
    He's an old-fashioned Religious Bigot. Here's the crappy thing: He used to be my Sen, but NOW I have Bateman. Crap on a cracker.
    [ Parent ]
    New thread (0.00 / 0)
    Next, let's discuss Christie's referendum idea - in the new diary up now - aped by the GOP members of the Senate Judiciary Committee just a few minutes ago. Treat that diary like an open thread, as well. Whichever diary you're in, we'd like to know your opinion on all that happened today as Senate Judiciary once again took up marriage equality.  

    It's not a particularly snappy signature, but here's what I think we need in the next NJ Democratic State Chair.  
    Open Thread - Marriage Equality Hearing in Senate Judiciary | 135 comments
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