Perhaps Assemblyman Greenwald would like to join Team Blue Jersey at this year's Equality Walk for Garden State Equality? You'd be the first legislator to sign up to walk with us, as befits an Assembly Majority Leader of Democrats. Plus, Team Blue Jersey is the defending champ in the pub quiz afterward. BOO-yah! Who wants to walk with us? Who wants to see some of our legislators in their sneakers? Team Blue Jersey! - promoted by Rosi
Last Thursday, President Obama made history, becoming the first President of the United States to announce support for marriage equality on national television. As I said during the debate of the marriage equality bill in the Assembly, our Constitution stands for a fundamental truth--that each and every single one of our citizens has the fundamental right and expectation to be treated equally under the law. That's why I strongly supported marriage equality, and that's why I'm proud of President Obama's announcement.
Unfortunately, the President's historic announcement drew nothing but sarcastic joking from Governor Christie at a town hall. It's disappointing that the Governor seems to regard full equality under the law as nothing more than a punchline (or worse, as part of a platform to curry favor with national Tea Party Republicans).
There has been a great deal of commentary on President Obama's evolution to supporting marriage equality. Whatever your thoughts are on the President's motivation in doing so, whether you think he should have done so quicker or more forcefully, we certainly can all agree that the President came down on the right side of history. And he deserves our thanks and our support for that.
In the past, Governor Christie has defended his opposition to marriage equality by saying his feet were "firmly planted right next to President Obama' on this issue. Today, this is no longer true. Yet in classic Christie fashion, the Governor chose to attack the messenger rather than face the fact that he's on the wrong side of history. But no amount of distraction changes the fact that there's only one person obstructing full marriage equality in New Jersey today--Governor Christie.
The reality is simple: the Governor's veto of marriage equality is indefensible. Our state's thousands and thousands of LGBT families don't deserve to be treated like a political punchline in a stump speech. And they certainly don't deserve to have their constitutional rights as a minority subjected to the whims of the majority. That's why we have a Bill of Rights, and that's why everyone's rights -- especially those with whom we might disagree -- should be upheld and respected.
I hope the Governor will reflect further and truly look into his heart on this issue. I hope he will look beyond cheap 30-second sound bites and national Republican ambitions. I hope he will realize that all our families deserve full equality under the law, and they deserve it without delay.
Following President Obama's historic announcement in support of marriage equality, the progressive community has been reenergized. His support for this important civil rights issue can't be quantified. We all need to follow his lead and fight to elect progressive Democrats like Bill Pascrell that are going to stand up and fight for our LGBT brothers-and-sisters. As an early supporter of marriage equality myself, I know how important this issue is to our progressive community. Unfortunately, Bill's opponent is doing everything he can to distort his record to remain in Congress. I'm with Bill Pascrell this June because I know he is the real fighter in this race standing up for our progressive Democratic values. He won't cut-and-run from any fight. Don't just take my word, see why Michael Galluccio is standing with Congressman Bill Pascrell.
A few days ago, I sketched out a diary about a decision by state Democratic Chair John Wisniewski join 10 other state chairs behind an effort to include marriage equality plank in the 2012 Democratic platform. And I held it in draft hoping for an exclusive quote for us about it.
And frankly, as glad as I was to see Wisniewski sign on to that - joining both our U.S. senators and the Dem chairs of the 3 biggest states of California, Texas and our open-for-marriage neighbor New York among others - I didn't think the effort, organized by Freedom to Marry, stood a chance in hell. Adopt a plank to the left of the president? Yeah, right. But I love being wrong...
I am so very happy that the President finally announced his support for marriage equality today. It was a welcome evolution, even if it is long overdue. As we all know, change comes one door, one day, one election at a time. While it may be too early to focus on the politics of this historic milestone, we must be aware that the stakes of this election have just been raised.
The right-wing pundits are hoping that the President's support for marriage equality and Mitt Romney's fierce opposition to gay rights will help them in key swing states: North Carolina, Ohio, Colorado etc. In fact, the reason many people felt the President held off "evolving" is due to political calculus.
We know from experience that these fears are not only overblown, but false; the public trend over the past couple years has moved firmly in the direction of marriage equality. However, we also know that if the President loses the election (especially if it is close), some people will inevitably argue it was due in part to his support for marriage equality.
We cannot let this happen.
For the first time in the history of the gay-rights movement, there is a chance to elect a President who fully supports marriage equality. We have to work hard to reelect President Obama in order to send a resounding message to those remaining voices of dissent: America is a country that embraces all of her children, regardless of race, creed, or sexual orientation.
The political universe has begun to respond to President Obama's marriage statement today. Imma let them finish over here but what grabs me right now is some of the graphics popping up all over the interwebs.
Oh, this. THIS. h/t Marie Corfield. I'm tucking all the rest (except one) of the awesometude below the fold. Looky looky.
Congratulations, Mr. President. I, like many Americans, am proud of your decision to put aside election-year political calculations and to make clear your own personal beliefs.
Like many of my colleagues in New Jersey and millions of Americans, the President's 'evolution' on marriage equality has ended in the same place and with the same conclusion: Recognizing the rights of all couples to live and love as they wish is simply the right thing.
I wish the President's announcement today could magically end the debate, but it will not. Those of us who support marriage equality must continue to press on and to help others complete their own evolutionary journeys on this issue. Thankfully, though, we now have one less hurdle to overcome.
Senator Frank Lautenberg, a co-sponsor of legislation to repeal DOMA:
President Obama's support for marriage equality marks an important moment for civil rights in America. We simply can not treat same sex couples as second-class citizens in our country. Marriage equality is one of the most significant civil rights battles of our time and is critical to guaranteeing the equal protection under the law promised to every American in the Constitution. The President's support for marriage equality should inspire Congress, Governors and state legislatures to advance civil rights for all Americans.
Senator Bob Menendez (via Facebook):
I applaud President Obama for joining all of us who support marriage equality.
(and then a few hours later, this):
Energy and persistence conquer all things." -Benjamin Franklin
Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald:
I applaud President Obama for announcing he supports marriage equality for same-sex couples. As I said during debate the floor of our historic Assembly vote approving marriage equality, our Constitution means every single one of our citizens has the fundamental right and expectation to be treated equally under the law. That is why I strongly support marriage equality, and that is why I am proud of President Obama's announcement today. In past statements opposing marriage equality, Governor Christie has noted his feet were 'firmly planted right next to President Obama' on this issue. Today, that is no longer true. The reality is, there is only one person standing in the way of full marriage equality in New Jersey--Governor Christie. It's time for the Governor to stop punting this issue to a referendum and do what's right. It's time for the Governor to stop obstructing equality and support full equality under the law for all New Jersey families.
Senate President Steve Sweeney: I haven't seen a fresh quote come in. Meanwhile, this is what he said a few months ago. Still relevant; it was a turning point:
Seventeen months ago, I stood up here and made the biggest mistake of my legislative career. I made a decision based purely on political calculations not to vote in support of marriage equality. I failed in my responsibility as majority leader of this house of government to actually lead. I was wrong...
Assemblyman John McKeon:
President Obama's declaration of support for same-sex marriage is a profile in courage and marks a historic breakthrough in our evolution as a nation; We believe that his decision will help end the inequality, and move us closer to granting equal civil rights to countless American families; We commend the moral courage and extraordinary leadership demonstrated by President Obama in his decision to do the right thing; We hope it is his destiny to be the first U.S. president to sign a law granting marriage equality to same-sex couples and that his decision will inspire Gov. Christie to sign S-1\ A-1, the Marriage Equality and Religious Exemption Act, of which I am a proud sponsor.
Now, this is when national news becomes New Jersey news: President Barack Obama has just told ABC News that he thinks "same sex couples should be able to get married." New Jersey, which has the distinction of marriage equality bills clearing both houses only to be stopped at the governor's desk, plus a marriage equality court case, is now lagging behind its neighboring state of New York, and behind the leader of the free world. Who sure took his time.
Timing's fascinating. Yesterday North Carolina voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional ban on same sex marriage. The Democrats national convention is in Charlotte, NC Sept. 3-6. As soon as news broke about the North Carolina decision, petitions began circulating demanding the Democrats abandon North Carolina and hold the convention somewhere else. Practically impossible, given the investment the Dems have already made in NC, and how much they will need their money in the general election. Obama carried North Carolina in 2008, and its status as a 2012 battleground was guaranteed by Democrats' decision to meet there. In the last few days, U.S. Secretary Arne Duncan and VP Joe Biden have stated their support for marriage equality, which intentional or not, has had the effect of trial balloon.
Romney, of course, is against everything.Yesterday in Colorado, Romney said he opposes even civil unions. And Christie, who has campaigned hard for the VP slot (while denying that's what he's doing) has stood in the way of his own gay constituents who wish to marry.
Steven Goldstein's reaction, for Garden State Equality, below the fold:
To say that Vice President Joe Biden's recent comments on Meet the Press "rippled the waters" of the marriage equality debate puts it mildly. In fact, by speaking his mind -- like only he can --Biden has thrust the issue into the Presidential Campaign fray, creating a bit of a media circus in the process.
Asked during an appearance on MSNBC whether he believes same-sex couples should be allowed to marry in the United States, Arne Duncan gave a straight answer: "Yes I do."
Biden's nuanced thoughts on the matter followed by Duncan's emphatic "I do" are a stark contrast to President Obama's "incoherent stance on gay marriage (equality)."
But let's face it, Obama's not the only one likely wishing he could be left to privately "evolve" on the issue out of the campaign spotlight. Follow me below the fold where this gets Jersey-centric.
It's Tax Day, and if you're still bent over the kitchen table clutching your 43rd cup of coffee too tightly and resisting the urge to shriek, consider how much more complicated this is if the family relationship you devote yourself to, but isn't recognized where you actually life, makes filling out those confounding forms even more confounding. Today, there's plenty of resentment going around.
Here's Blue Jersey's take on the Tax Day complications for the civil unionized, circa 2006. It's our #2 ad in Blue Jersey's 4-ad series, Think Equal:
All credit for these ads go to Blue Jerseyans Jack Bohrer, and founder Juan Melli. And the delightful actresses, director and crew, most of whom donated their services to forward the recognition of marriage rights.
Democratic Governors Association sent out an fundraising email web ad today designed to tap into outrage at the distance between Chris Christie's position on marriage equality and where the Jersey constituency stands:
Stop Governor Christie's Attack on Marriage Equality!
Despite overwhelming support for marriage equality, Republican Governor Chris Christie has vetoed the bill that would legalize gay marriage in New Jersey.
It's outrageous! Governor Christie rejected a clear victory for equal rights in order to promote a divisive social agenda and score political points with the national conservative base.
Show Governor Christie that New Jerseyans support equal rights for all couples.
It asks you to add your name & email, then directs you to a page to donate. Go ahead and do whatever part of that floats your boat. The DGA will come in handy in next year's election, and Christie is the big pulsating blob at the right of the radar screen already. Marriage equality issue is pretty clearly supported by New Jersey's people.
Of course, unremarked upon by DGA is the fact that though Chris Christie has been consistent in his lack of support, and threw up a referendum roadblock, the issue also may figure between Democrats now warily eyeing each as they stare down the 2013 gubernatorial primary. Buono, Booker, and Codey for example have good records. Sweeney? More complicated. His disgraceful 2010 abstention is still on record. But ... so is his reversal 2 years later. Yes, it was widely seen as political expediency (like that's new in the world) to win back disaffected (and pissed) progressives with zero risk of actual change under a governor everybody knew wasn't going to sign it anyway. But it's also true he took a strong position of support and his movement signaled broader Democratic support (for what they should have been supporting all along). And that's on record too.
Regarding Marriage Equality Governor Christie said, "Let the people decide." Now the Star-Ledger reports that Democratic legislators are considering a ballot measure to raise taxes for millionaires. In New Jersey to qualify for being on the ballot a proposed amendment can be passed by simple majority in both the Assembly and Senate in two separate legislative sessions and does not require the governor's approval. Hence, with only Democratic majority support it could be on the ballot in next year's gubernatorial and legislative elections.
Christie's spokesman, Michael Drewniak, called it "a cynical political strategy. The one-trick pony is at it again." But maybe what's good for the goose is good for the gander. The idea polls well in New Jersey. The plan would raise the highest tax rate from 8.97 percent to 10.75 percent, but only on income above $1 million.
One of the signature accomplishments of the still-young session of the New Jersey legislative session has been the passage of a bill to ensure equal rights for married couples. State Senate President Stephen Sweeney and General Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver assigned the bill number as S-1 and A-1, respectively, to emphasize the significance of this historic measure.
Yet, one of the main objections from the Republicans during the debate was that very fact. They whined that with the higher-than-average unemployment rate under the Christie administration, the legislature should not have been "wasting" its time on marriage equality, but instead should have put "jobs" (their shorthand for tax breaks for millionaires) at the top of the agenda.
Contrast this action in the Garden State's Democratically-controlled legislature to that of a Republican-controlled legislature across the river in Pennsylvania. What do you think is receiving priority treatment there? It's a GOP-sponsored voter-suppression bill that has the support of their Tea Party fellow traveler Governor Tom Corbett. Despite the fact that there is absolutely no evidence of wholesale voter fraud, the GOP is working to deny the vote to those classes of people who don't have proper photo ID (and typically vote Democratic). This legislation is being fast-tracked to be in place in time to influence the 2012 presidential election. So I guess, by GOP logic, voter suppression is more important than creating jobs in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania GOP will pass legislation that will inevitably embroil the state in expensive lawsuits while the New Jersey Democrats will continue to work to ensure equal rights.
I often disagree with politicians from both parties, but this example shows the fundamental difference between Democrats and Republicans. Ensuring rights vs. suppressing rights.
Update: According to Jane Roh, the Pennsylvania House is also taking up a bill to name an official state firearm. Another important job-creating issue.
Assemblyman John F. McKeon of the 27th District has been in the legislature for the past decade. He spoke to Blue Jersey this afternoon following a meeting of the Judiciary Committee. We talked about the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, jobs, the budget battles, taxes, and marriage equality. The conversation ended with a question about animus and an answer about comity.
What's the modern governor to do? You're a star on the national media circuit, you're doing your best attack dog act for Mitt Romney, and you want to be the Republican nominee for President in 2016 (because deep down you know that Romney's a loser). You've outwitted those pesky Democrats, especially Steve Sweeney (as New Jersey's own Cliff Barnes) and you need some winning issues.
Eureka! Marriage equality, tax cuts, and the New Jersey Education Association.
Looping back to this Wednesday diary with info I read for the first time in this post. The involvement of several high-profile Republicans - Cheney, as pbasso_khan tells us, but also former RNC national chair Ken Mehlman and NYC mayor Michael Bloomberg. History will not treat Chris Christie kindly on his decision to stand in the way of fairness on this issue, and along the east coast particularly, New Jersey is increasingly isolated. - promoted by Rosi
Before New Jersey Governor Chris Christie vetoed the marriage equality bill that passed both houses of the State Legislature on Friday, I hope a member of his staff handed him a copy of an article appearing in The Baltimore Sun last week containing some unexpected news. It turns out that while Mr. Christie was waving around his veto pen, former Vice President Dick Cheney was lobbying Maryland GOP legislators to support same-sex marriage ahead of a similar vote of the Maryland House of Delegates. With an arch-neoconservative like Mr. Cheney now actively pushing the cause of marriage equality, could the proverbial arc of history finally be curving toward justice?
Whether it's his having a gay daughter - or simply the gumption not to care what the rest of his party thinks - I am confident that Mr. Cheney's landed on the right side of history. Mr. Christie, by contrast, let politics be his guide and took the cowardly approach. He vetoed the bill, calling for somehow "strengthening" New Jersey's ill-conceived civil unions law (currently on the books) and urging the Legislature to call a public referendum on marriage equality, as if fundamental civil rights issues should be settled by popularity contest.
New Jersey lawmakers and citizens should see Mr. Christie's call for a statewide referendum for what it is: A naked political ploy, designed to keep his fingerprints off the marriage equality issue. Perhaps Mr. Christie is calculating that even if New Jerseyans approve marriage equality at the ballot, he will still be able to tell GOP foot soldiers and the pundits on Fox News that he vetoed the bill and would not have approved the measure (had it been up to him). Perhaps Mr. Christie figures that doing so will keep him in the running as a Vice Presidential pick in this year's election or as a viable candidate for President in 2016 or beyond.
Whatever Mr. Christie's motivation, Garden State Equality (GSE), one of our State's leading pro-equality organizations, is right to focus on the hard work of gathering the votes for a veto override. GSE has until the end of the legislative session in 2014 to do so.
But, in the meantime, what can the rest of us do? What if Mr. Christie's call for a referendum gains traction? Are we ready for the barrage of fear-mongering advertisements hitting our airwaves? How will we react when (not if) the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) or the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints funnels money into scaring New Jersey voters away from accepting gay couples and their families? After all, when the people of California (like New Jersey, a historically progressive-minded state) were faced with NOM's "Gathering Storm" ads in 2008, Proposition 8 was voted the law of the land even though the election otherwise swept Barack Obama and other Democrats into office. Will we fare any differently in New Jersey?
Certainly not if we fail to undertake the hard work of making a visible, forceful, and sustained appeal to our neighbors, families, and friends - especially those whom we fear approaching the most.
ICYMI, Friday night's Overtime segment on HBO's Real Time, Bill Maher with guests Eliot Spitzer, Stephen Moore and Erin Pike. Discussion of Christie and his unsophisticated, pandering positions on marriage and other things begins at mark 5:40.
I think it was because Joe Cryan talked about two people I talked about this week when I was trying to convince a Republican friend to see this issue - and the people it most deeply affects - differently.
Cryan tells their stories. And I think it's important to tell stories of where Republicans stand for the rights of gay people, and for fairness in marriage. Over the last two years, we've seen that shift in members of both parties in New Jersey, people who found their way to this vote. And as a court case makes its way through the NJ courts, we have another two years to convince some of our Republican legislators that there are things more important than the party discipline required by a strongwilled governor.
Here's the video of what he Joe Cryan said on the Assembly floor, shot by Deciminyan. Below the fold, as a bonus, are videos of both speeches Cryan talked about. Both of them - Rep. John Kriesel of Minnesota and Rep. Maureen Walsh of Washington - are Republicans who came to support marriage equality by very different routes.
Immediately following Oliver's speech, Bonnie Watson Coleman rushed to hug her colleague
In a statement following this week's Assembly vote, closing the loop to show legislative intent as a marriage equality case makes its way through the NJ courts and exhibiting the shift toward the positive that the New Jersey legislature has made in the last two years, Garden State Equality chair Steven Goldstein issued a statement thanking some of the people who stand for marriage equality. Blue Jersey was among those Steven thanked. On behalf of all of us here, we share in your jubilation, and stand with you.
But this week, the thanks belong to the NJ legislature. Some of our representatives at the Statehouse took this moment to say some of the most important things they've ever said in casting a vote in Trenton. Over the next few days, we're going to post some of them. Start with Speaker Sheila Oliver.
Before she cast her vote, Oliver talked about how this bill is steeped clearly in the part of the Constitution dealing with equal protection of the law. And echoing bill sponsor Reed Gusciora, in the face of Chris Christie's ignorant remarks about the civil rights movement of the 1960's, she made it clear the case of Mildred and Richard Loving informed her decision. Impossible not to grasp that Oliver cast her vote as an African-American leader and a woman who is part of a history Chris Christie cannot yet comprehend. Oliver:
Can you imagine ... When I was 3 years old - 3! - couples of different ethnic persuasion were legally barred from being married. And that was promulgated by legislatures all over this country. We cannot single out any one group of people and deem them to be undeserving of the same legal protections that everyone else has.
(snip)
We've been down the road of change before. And we will be down the road of change again.
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