New Jersey governor Christie abandons legal challenge to same-sex marriage

Shortly after New Jersey legalized same-sex marriage, Rep. Governor Chris Christie decided to drop his appeal to revoke the law that allows the marriages. A statement released by Christie’s office said: “Although the Governor strongly disagrees with the Court substituting its judgment for the constitutional process of the elected branches or a vote of the people, the Court has now spoken clearly as to their view of the New Jersey Constitution and, therefore, same-sex marriage is the law… The Governor will do his constitutional duty and ensure his Administration enforces the law as dictated by the New Jersey Supreme Court.”

Gov. Christie has been a long-time challenger of same-sex marriage, although in his reelection debate earlier in the month, he said that a statewide vote should be used to settle the issue. The debate was against Democratic challenger Sen. Barbara Buono, and in two weeks, he will be pitted against her again on Election Day. Buono commented on Christie’s decision to drop his challenge of gay marriage, saying: “Despite Governor Christie’s efforts to block the rights of gays and lesbians at every turn, it took a determined effort by brave individuals and a unanimous decision by the New Jersey Supreme Court to force the Governor to drop his appeal. I am thrilled the court ended his ability to enforce his bigoted views that are contrary to the values of our state.”