Same-Sex Marriage in the Garden State

By Stephfon Guidry

Jersey boys grab your tuxedos, wedding gowns, and book the chapel’s because marriage equality is coming soon! Judge Mary Jacobson of Mercer County Supreme Court ruled this past Friday that Same-Sex Marriage is set to happen LEGALLY in the Garden State of New Jersey on October 21^st 2013. No longer will Jersey residents need to cross the bridge into Manhattan to tie the knot, they will be able to perform their own nuptials at home.

Judge Jacobson ruled in favor of Same-Sex Marriage after reviewing the United States v. Windsor case. She wrote a 53-page opinionated essay detailing her views on the matter of legalizing same-sex marriage.  “Same-sex couples must be allowed to marry in order to obtain equal protection of the law under the New Jersey Constitution,” said Judge Jacobson to press on Friday.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie publicly opposes same-sex marriage equality on the stance that he is following the will of the voters.  Spokesman Michael Drewniak for Governor Christie commented on the matter saying, “Governor Christie has always maintained that he would abide by the will of the voters on the issue of marriage equality and called for it to be on the ballot this Election Day.” While Governor Christie’s camp gears up to appeal and possibly freeze this ruling, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) seeks to change Gov. Christie’s mind on the matter altogether. Menendez stated, “I am thrilled this court decision now brings us closer to fulfilling our nation’s promise of equality and I urge our governor and state attorney general to accept this ruling and finally give same-sex couples in New Jersey the equal rights they deserve.”

DOMA and more states than ever have developed their views on marriage and love. These political victories for civil rights represent the progressive culture of America. The battle for Same-Sex Marriage and civil liberties is still on going but for the moment it seems Jersey boys can count this a win as they are ready to hear wedding bells.