NEW JERSEY COLLEGE DEMOCRATS EXPRESS DEEP DISAPPOINTMENT OVER MARRIAGE EQUALITY VOTE
A big step backwards for civil rights in New Jersey
(TRENTON)- Jay Swanson, President of the New Jersey College Democrats, conveyed his deep disappointment in the New Jersey Legislature's failure to pass the Marriage Equality Bill. Over the past few weeks, Democratic leaders have been tossing the issue back and forth, pushing for the opposing house to take action first, but on Thursday it was voted on by the full Senate.
"Representing Democrats in colleges and universities across the state, I can say with profound certainty that the Legislature has let us down and has delayed equality for thousands of New Jersey's citizens," remarked Swanson. A marriage equality bill will have to wait at least another four years for consideration because Republican Governor-elect Chris Christie has vowed to veto any marriage equality bill that reaches his desk.
"I cannot give enough credit to Garden State Equality, which has worked and lobbied tirelessly on behalf of equal rights for gay couples," continued Swanson. "The fight is far from over and I sincerely hope that in the near future, we can live in a state and a country that treats all of its citizens as equals."
Several Democratic state senators either expressed their outward opposition to the measure, or were unwilling to publicly take a position prior to the vote. Support for the bill was equally shaky in the Assembly where Democrats hold a larger majority. "Those Democrats who voted 'nay' will be judged to have been on the wrong side of history," concluded Brian Block, President of the TCNJ College Democrats. "I can only find solace in the fact that the next generation of Democrats, which overwhelmingly support marriage equality, will not balk at the opportunity to confer civil rights on their fellow citizens."
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