Governor Christie on Same-Sex Marriage: Let the People of New Jersey Decide

[POKERPRONJWSOP]

Yeah yeah Men marrying Men Woman marrying Woman yeah there is nothing wrong with this rite? Nah its 100% rite because its about LOVE rite LOVE pleace stop its WRONG and if you want it VOTE on it!!!

[skewlboypin]

I think we should get to vote on whether he should get go on "biggest loser".

[xcelr8ion]

Who done the studies because I can make baseless claims till the cows come home!

[xcelr8ion]

@mandama004 Don't tell me about easy I grew up in the roughest neighborhoods in my city. I've been homeless, been to prision, worked two jobs and paid cash for my college tuition. I've had a hard life and have had to start over with nothing but the clothes on my back twice. So moving to another state is simple but if you have lived an easy life maybe that is hard for you.

[Mandama004]

Perhaps this man should spend a little more time learning how to co-exist and less worrying about when his next meal will arrive.

With any luck at all, his obesity will lead him to the hospital and out of office.

[JDfromAZ]

God hates FATS!!!

Proverbs 23:20 - Be not among drunkards or among gluttonous eaters of meat

Therefore the marriage between he and his wife (an avid hippo-sexual) shall henceforth be known only as a drivel union.

[xn117]

bigot...

[xcelr8ion]

Btw gay people have the same rights as straight people. I as a straight man can only marry a woman just as a gay man. So gay people want extra rights! Go figure. If you want homosexual unions I'm fine with that don't call it marriage because then the word marriage gains a whole new definition.

[Mandama004]

@xcelr8ion well, if you will look at the official definition of "marriage" in any recent dictionary, you will see this;

"a similar institution involving partners of the same gender"

Underneath the "man" and "woman" definition. So, in reality. it has already changed. How does it affect you if we decide to marry our same sex?

[xcelr8ion]

@ fanagot no one said anything about voting rights pay attention son!

[xcelr8ion]

If you don't like what the people of NJ decide then leave NJ and go somewhere else you still have the freedom as of this post.

[Mandama004]

@xcelr8ion the fact that you believe it to be simple or easy to move from your base state speaks volumes about how little you have had to suffer in life.

A vast majority of people in this economy cannot just pick up and move to another state simply because hateful people refuse to just coexist.

[fanagot]

Chris Christie: Blacks' Voting Rights Should Have Been Decided By Southern White Voters ... go figure

[griddams]

The issue isn't about people at all but the venue. Marriage is a religious right, instituted by God in his Bible. It is a declaration to God's commandments and unfortunately there are ways to go about it.

[dpaanlka]

@griddams If I believe in a different god, or a different set of scriptures, or not god at all, or hundreds of gods, and according to whichever god or gods I do or do not believe in, a loving, monogamous homosexual couple can get married, then who are you to decide for me that it's wrong on religious grounds?

[BeatleUniversity]

You're a very wise Governor. I for one question how people of religion of faith are supposed to explain to their children the issue of "gay marriage" when their faith clearly teaches against it.

[garak99]

@BeatleUniversity How about telling the children that God created both straight and gay people and there are some straight people that want to deny gay people equal rights because there religion tell them to. But that same religion tell them that "if a son disobeys his father he should be put to death how many fathers do you see killing there sons for saying no"

[garak99]

@BeatleUniversity Or how about this "Morality is doing what is right no matter what you are told. Religion is doing what you are told no matter what is Right”

[Mandama004]

@BeatleUniversity actually, Jesus never says a word about gay people. That is a fact. It also says that "laying with another man" (not "intercourse") is an abomination... which would make Boy Scout's an abomination. As well as eating shellfish, shaving your beard, working on the Sabbath and giving "prideful" looks.

Do you adhere by every law your bible writes out, or do you simply pick and choose what suits you best?

[garak99]

I uploaded a video reply but it's not being linked or I cannot post the like here but if you go the the You Tube Homepage and type in (Bill's Music and Politics) it will bring you to my page and you can view the video

[whitneygro]

Christie is just to hungry to make a good decision.

[Islander255]

Gov. Christie should choose to redefine hundreds of pounds on his ass into some serious running that doesn't involve running for president.

[MRBBJC]

Go ahead and veto the bill, Christie. We will never give up until we win. But we will never forget on what side of the history you decided to be. You are a coward asshole!

[SimonAlipio]

Sen Sweeney said that SSM was a civil right issue. It certainly is. It is the civil rights of children to a father and a mother. Denying that right is a crime against humanity. Furthermore women should not be considered as a sperm incubator and children should not be sold to the highest bider. That reminds me of slavery. It is funny that those politicans call themselves progressive !!!! The selfishness of adults always surprise me.

[garak99]

@SimonAlipio Can you rephrase what you posted here cause it's comes across as Homophobic

[Thegthatkillsall]

Im just saying..... Two Mother's or Father's could not offer what ONE Mother and ONE Father can... You know our world is finished when same sex marriage is legalised... My views! dont like it? I dont like yours..

[garak99]

@Thegthatkillsall Have you seen the Billboard that says "Letting Gays Marry next they will want to vote and pay taxes' I agree if they don't have equal marriage they should not have to pay taxes

[Mandama004]

@Thegthatkillsall actually, extensive studies have been done, and children of same sex parents grow up to be just as well off as those with heterosexual parents. Are you saying that people raised by a single parent are going to be somehow defective? Or how about people raised by aunts, grandparents, etc?

What do you have to say to that scientific data (not opinion)? Do you still believe your opinion to be superior?

[meeno112]

If gay marriage becomes legal, so should all types of adult incest. Where are all the pro-incest civil rights activists???

[garak99]

@meeno112 One thing at a time

[sandinbrick]

Even if the people of New Jersey vote on this, and they vote yes, Christie will veto it! Don't believe me, they you don't know Christie!

[jcressg]

Civil rights should NEVER be put to a popular vote. YES - the institution of marriage is too serious to be treated like a political football and Governor Christie, what you are doing is PUNTING! The people of New Jersey elected representatives to represent them! Don't you trust the people's representatives in the legislature to actually represent them?

[xamandanicoleo]

Why should people who do not "fit the norm" of society be punished for what they feel if they are not causing physical or emotional harm to anyone else? Allow Same-Sex marriage! It does not affect heterosexual couples in any way. It does not undermine the insitution of marriage because same sex couples who get married are just as in love as traditional heterosexual couples. If anything, they are choosing to commit to another person entirely and last time I checked, that has never been a crime.

[flinkflinkflink]

well I sort of feel that Mr. Christie is wimping out, because he said in the past that he would veto same sex marriage. At least he is letting the people decide though. I'm looking forward to voting AGAINST homosexual marriage. Someone's sexual perversion does not give them the same rights as normal, healthy human beings.

[peveritis]

@flinkflinkflink You will be sad when the Supreme Court tells you that your Dislikes are not sufficient to deny Equal Protection

[garak99]

@flinkflinkflink You cannot put a Civil Right on the ballot

[WHOtheOx]

@flinkflinkflink You are free to do what you want with you vote, but the rest of your comment does not belong in today's society. If you think about it, it is the same logic people used when they said that black people didn't deserve the same rights because then what was "normal" was being white. You have no right to say that a homosexual relationship is any less "normal" or healthy than a heterosexual one. People are people. Welcome to the 21st century.

[peveritis]

Latest polls have it 52% for / 42% against

[lijoti513]

The issue only affects Gay people, so Gay people should be the only people that vote on it.

[bochap21]

@lijoti513 This issue affect everybody.

[jboritzki]

It will be voted down.

[douglasokc]

Why not let the people of each state vote on all civil rights issues? Let Mississippi decide if black people can marry outside their race. Let Texas decide if "mexican" folks can vote or go to school or a doctor. Let Utah descide if women can control their own health. Let kansas christians control the legal fate of gay people.  WTF.. CIVIL RIGHTS are to be protected from mob rule........that was the bloody point of the American Revolution. Freedom for all, not just the 1%.

[peveritis]

If the arguement is that "Marriage is an age old tradition", then I would dare to say that Homosexuals existed long before Marriage.

[GodsSonJasonJ]

Shame, sign the bill that will give ALL Jersey residents equal marital rights and call it a day. We've already done the ballot thing and not only spent over 80 million dollars (money that certainly could have went to any number of things) and caused a tremendous amount of tension withing California. There are a lot of institutions that have been the same for years but we need to then decide, "oh we are a more progressive culture and understand the importance of marriage equality." No excuses!!

[peveritis]

Here are the folks fighting for the rights of SS Couples. Let's support them.

afer.org

[Serenifly8]

He doesn't want 120 elected officials to decide, but him alone vetoing (and therefor deciding) the law is ok? Brains......

[peveritis]

@Serenifly8 His reasoning is BS. He merely does not want to be the one on record to make this decision, Especially since he may be the VP Nominee.

HE plays the political game. Let's see if the rest of the NJ GOP Congress will play along.

[Serenifly8]

@peveritis

In that case the correct decision for him would be to simply not sign the bill and let it pass into law without his consent. That way he can make a symbolic gesture of defiance while not impeding progress

[peveritis]

@Serenifly8

Unfortunately for him, he has said, on more than one occasion, that he "will veto it".

That is hard to back off of, but the real reason is that he CANNOT reverse his position and maintian his conservative backing.

It will be interesting to see now if the NJ GOP Congress will support him by playing along. Really, ALL of these "Leaders" should know the U.S. Constitution, and abide by it.

[dsmader]

To the folks who object to putting civil rights on the ballot: I understand your concern, and to a degree I share it. But right now same sex marriage is *not* protected as a constitutional civil right - either in the NJ Constitution or in the Federal Constitution. So this plebiscite isn't going to rescind any rights that are currently recognized; if anything, it will create a right that to date hasn't existed in NJ. Isn't that a good thing?

[peveritis]

@dsmader You are factually incorrect. Equal Protection exists in the Constitution and applies to any right granted to another group.

IF your allegation were true, then would you please point out in the Constitution where Straight Marriage is mentioned? I'll wait.

Additionally, the Supreme Court has decided about 14 times that Marriage is a fundamental Right, ergo what's good for the goose.....

[dsmader]

@peveritis The Equal Protection argument is a good one, and there have been a number of attempts federally (and, I'm guessing, in NJ) to make the argument in the courts. Can you point me to a federal or NJ state court decision recognizing a right to same sex marriage? I'm not aware of any. If there were any, then same sex couples would be able to marry in New Jersey - which, correct me if I'm wrong, they're not right now.

[dsmader]

@peveritis Incidentally, I think you misunderstood my post - I'm not claiming that the state and federal constitutions *shouldn't* recognize a right to same sex marriage, I'm claiming that, as of now, they *haven't* been interpreted that way - at least by the entities that have the ultimate say over their interpretation, namely the NJ and federal Supreme Courts.

[peveritis]

@dsmader Why don't you google AFER and follow the development of the Prop 8 case? This is a case where the California law denying Marriage Rights to SS Couples is being challenged on the basis that it is Un-Constitutional (Federal Constitution) and it was found by the Court to be Un-Constitutional. It is in the Appeals process right now. It will likely go to the Supreme Court.

[dsmader]

@peveritis You're right, the District Court in that case did rule Prop 8 to be unconstitutional on Equal Protection grounds, though the effect of the ruling has been stayed pending appeal. Unless or until it's affirmed by the Supreme Court, however, it won't have effect in New Jersey - and that won't happen by this autumn. That being the case, isn't it worth at least trying to change the law through the political rather than the judicial process?

[peveritis]

@dsmader Oh yes, I am for fighting this on all fronts, however I still want this to be decided by the Courts rather than the Legislatures, because that which is given by the legislatures can be taken away by the legislatures.

My overall points addressed Christie's hypocracy in claiming that Others were playing Politics. HE clearly is backing away from his previously firm stance.

[POKERPRONJWSOP]

Ok same sex couples should love each other but if they have sex with each other should be arrested and tosses in the slammer!!! They shouldnt be able to adopt children and sure they dont have to pay taxes as long as they check the GAY box on the tax form

[peveritis]

How many signatures do I have to get in order to put Straight Marraige on the Ballot?

Anybody?_____

[SHISADB]

Why have a state legislature at all?

Put everything up for a vote.

DUMBASS!

[peveritis]

A Vice Presidential Candidate SHOULD know that Civil Rights are not up for Referrendums.

I think it is Chris Christie that is playing Political Games, rather than just following through on his promise to veto the Legislation, but trying to be excused from having to make this very unpopular decision, which BTW is against the will of the people.

* Cue NOM Money

[p0rter1515]

So you want to vote on SSM yet do you put up a vote on First Cousin heterosexual marriage which is legal in NJ? Mpst people consider that INCEST. Yet you allow for it.

[p0rter1515]

It has no more "redefinition" of marriage than did inter racial marriage or inter-faith marriage - Religion has nothing to do with a state instiution -- You go to the state for a marriage liscence not a church, synagoge or mosque.......There are no legal restrictions for other eligious marriage bigoty to be upheld by the state such as interfaith marriage or inter racial marriage -- Heck first cousin marriage which is insest my most peoples standars is legal in NJ.

[POKERPRONJWSOP]

Yeah I see all the GAYS hating on him already!! Lets allow people to just MARRY there cats dogs hell lets make people just do whatever they want! Look having sex with the same GENDER is WRONG!

[garak99]

@POKERPRONJWSOP A question to answer your post Do you believe people are born gay ? and who said anything about sex it's about a committed relationship and if you deny people the right to marry a same sex partner should they still pay taxes if they don't have full 100 % rights ?

[pinkmonkeyfrog]

@POKERPRONJWSOP Yay another inbred dumb fuck that has to equate 2 loving people getting married to Dog and cats marrying people! If you believe having sex is not for you, newsflash, DONT DO IT. Other than that, STFU and sit down and let the rest of us have the same right to marriage and TAX BREAKS as you!!!

[Serenifly8]

His right to be a fat moron should go on the ballot. He would change his mind quickly

[MRBBJC]

Civil rights up for a vote? As long as they're not your rights, you're okay with that, right? Fucking asshole!

[homerth1555]

Civil rights should not be on the ballot. Governor Christie, you are a coward.

[mykelb]

Then all marriages should be put to a vote, not just a minority's marriage. Let's be fair Mr. Christie, do you want your marriage voted on?

[garak99]

You do not puts "rights" on a ballot Citizens do not decide rights

[pinkmonkeyfrog]

This fat fuck! How about we put HIS ability to marry up for a vote. See if he likes it.

Shithead!

[jakeluv7]

what is it about lard butts that ruin it for the rest of us? hoarding the food and the 'privileges' you'd think we'd stop letting these piglets rule over us. stop electing these selfish, narrow minded political pinheaded losers. That includes Newt Grinch who wants to steal christmas from the rest of us.

[dsmader]

I'm not sure I understand the Governor's implicit distinction between issues that are "too important" to be decided by the legislature and those that aren't - but in any event, a decision by the people will likely have more perceived democratic legitimacy than a decision by the legislature, and a decision by either the people or the legislature would definitely have more democratic legitimacy than a decision by the courts.

[mykelb]

@dsmader All three branches of government are designed for checks and balances so that none has more power than the other. Did you fail your 7th grade civics class? 

[dsmader]

@mykelb Actually, I aced all my law school Con Law courses. I agree with you re: checks and balances - that's the genius of the American system of government. But when it comes to making policy decisions, there's a strong argument that the political branches - that is, the legislature and the executive, who are popularly elected - have more democratic legitimacy than the judiciary, who are (in most states, including New Jersey) appointed.

[jakeluv7]

lets vote for if there should interracial marriage, that was a huge change, that we really should revisit, hundreds of years of societal religious tradition. For that matter lets put rather people of christian and muslim faith should marry, as the bible clearly states interfaith marriages are sinful. Lets stop treating interfaith marriage as a political football, lets allow the people to vote on the rights of minorities, especially during an election year.

[Serenifly8]

@jakeluv7

If interracial marriage had been put up the a vote, it wouldn't have happened nation-wide until the 90s, In some places like Mississippi and Alabama it still wouldn't be allowed

[TomWaggle]

Will this keep a difference between Church and State? I would not want to see a church forced to marry a gay couple even though they are against it. If they get married by the state I would be perfectly fine with it.

[Leon612]

I don't care if we have same sex marriage or not, but the gov has really flipped flopped on this issue. Very suspicious...

[justdoityourway]

I wish all Governors thought like that and glad that it could become law by December 2012. And My Hat is off for you Governor Christie for doing it like this and make it a ballot question. Tom Hakim, Kearny, N. J.

[88hocker]

I am VERY disappointed with Gov Christie. He promised to veto a same sex marriage bill.

KEEP YOUR WORD.

[froochie123]

@88hocker You're taking what he said out of context then after watching this video you've completely ignored his point, again.

He'd veto a bill that the LEGISLATURE put on his desk (they decide) reitterating the same thing in the video. What he then says is if the CITIZENS (we decide) vote and want it, he's ok with it and would sign it into law.

[mykelb]

@froochie123 Let's put his religious rights up for a vote shall we?

[garak99]

@mykelb Religion should be kept out of this

[froochie123]

@garak99 religion:its the go to response to anyone that disagrees even though my post never showed my opinion.

[Inquisitor6321]

@88hocker I think he maybe grooming himself for a presidential candidate for 2016. Flip floping is the norm for presidential candidates.

[garak99]

@88hocker If same sex couples cannot marry and have full equal rights - why should they be required to pay taxes

[peveritis]

@garak99 The discrimination in the tax law caused by DOMA costed me and my Husband over $4k last year.