As expected, Governor Christie of New Jersey has vetoed the Marriage Equality and Religious Exemption Act which was passed by both houses of the state legislature this week. Supporters of the bills now have until January of 2014 to garner enough votes to override the governor's veto.
The governor, who believes civil unions are an adequate concession to same-sex couples despite continued logistical and social evidence to the contrary, has suggested a public referendum on the matter. While the majority of New Jersey voters do favor legalizing marriage equality, we agree with those in the vanguard of this fight that civil rights should not be left to a public vote.
"While I am disappointed that Governor Christie has
chosen to stand on the wrong side of history, the wrong side of
fairness, and the wrong side of faith, I remain hopeful that Marriage
Equality will soon be a reality in New Jersey," said the Rev. Jon M. Richardson, Integrity's Vice-President for National Affairs and the Priest-in-Charge at St. Paul's Church in Jersey City, "I am deeply grateful to
all of the legislators and faith leaders who have stood up for progress
while Governor Christie has chosen politics over fairness.
'Justice for all!' is an American value, a Christian value, and a Family
value. Though Governor Christie's values may be different, justice
will win in the end."
While it comes as no surprise that
Governor Christie made good on his promise to veto this bill, it is
nonetheless disappointing. As people of faith who believe God loves ALL
loving, faithful relationships, we will continue to BELIEVE OUT LOUD and witness that belief
to those around us until justice does indeed roll down like water and
all couples in the state are afforded the same rights and
responsibilities. We will also go on striving to make our congregations
places where such partnerships are blessed and nurtured.
Showing posts with label New Jersey. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Jersey. Show all posts
Friday, February 17, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Marriage Equality Acts Pass in NJ Senate & House, Action Needed to Overcome Veto
Both houses of the New Jersey Legislature passed versions of the Marriage Equality and Religious Exemption Act this week. On Monday, Feb. 13th, the Senate voted 24-16 in favor, and today (Thursday) the Assembly followed with a vote of 42-33.
Integrity NYC-Metro is extremely grateful to the Right Rev. Mark Beckwith, Bishop of Newark, and the Right Rev. George Councell, Bishop of New Jersey, for their repeated visits to the State House and speaking out to the press. Thanks to all the clergy and laity who have dared to BELIEVE OUT LOUD about marriage equality as a Christian value.
“It's exciting to witness the progress toward marriage equality that is already happening in the state of New Jersey and I'm particularly heartened by the leadership on that front by our Episcopal bishops,” said the Rev. Jon M. Richardson, Integrity’s Vice-President, National Affairs and Priest-in Charge at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Jersey City. “ I join my voice with so many others in our state calling on Governor Christie to sign the bill.”
However, our work is not yet complete. Governor Christie has indicated he will veto these bills if they reach his desk, and that he prefers a public referendum on the matter. While the majority of New Jerseyans favored marriage equality in recent polls, we do not believe people's civil rights should be put to a vote. We need your voices added to ours in the effort to either build veto-proof support for this legislation or convince the governor to let it pass. We must ensure that a referendum, should it occur, would not put marriage equality in New Jersey further beyond reach.
We ask that you contact your assembly and senate representatives, friends, family members and those in your congregation and be willing to speak from your heart on why marriage equality matters to you. Too often Christians are assumed to be against LGBT equality: at this historic moment in our state's history, let's break that assumption and tell New Jersey that ALL love is of God, and the rights and responsibilities of a stable, recognized relationship belong to ALL couples.
Integrity NYC-Metro is extremely grateful to the Right Rev. Mark Beckwith, Bishop of Newark, and the Right Rev. George Councell, Bishop of New Jersey, for their repeated visits to the State House and speaking out to the press. Thanks to all the clergy and laity who have dared to BELIEVE OUT LOUD about marriage equality as a Christian value.
“It's exciting to witness the progress toward marriage equality that is already happening in the state of New Jersey and I'm particularly heartened by the leadership on that front by our Episcopal bishops,” said the Rev. Jon M. Richardson, Integrity’s Vice-President, National Affairs and Priest-in Charge at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Jersey City. “ I join my voice with so many others in our state calling on Governor Christie to sign the bill.”
However, our work is not yet complete. Governor Christie has indicated he will veto these bills if they reach his desk, and that he prefers a public referendum on the matter. While the majority of New Jerseyans favored marriage equality in recent polls, we do not believe people's civil rights should be put to a vote. We need your voices added to ours in the effort to either build veto-proof support for this legislation or convince the governor to let it pass. We must ensure that a referendum, should it occur, would not put marriage equality in New Jersey further beyond reach.
We ask that you contact your assembly and senate representatives, friends, family members and those in your congregation and be willing to speak from your heart on why marriage equality matters to you. Too often Christians are assumed to be against LGBT equality: at this historic moment in our state's history, let's break that assumption and tell New Jersey that ALL love is of God, and the rights and responsibilities of a stable, recognized relationship belong to ALL couples.
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