New Jersey in a tizzy

Things around marriage equality in New Jersey are moving fast enough that people might be tripping over each other. Quite a while ago Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a bill that would have made same-sex marriage legal. Legislators are now working to round up enough votes to override the veto (alas, no link -- didn't realize I'd need one). Only a handful more are needed. That vote will probably happen in November. If not overtaken by another event.

That other event is a ruling by Mary Jacobson, head judge in Mercer County. She ruled that because NJ civil unions are not equal to marriage -- CUs do not get federal benefits -- same-sex marriages must be made legal. Several years ago the state Supreme Court had mandated that gay couples must be treated equally and the legislature at the time decided civil unions were equal. But now the inequality is so obvious Jacobson issued a summary judgment, meaning she didn't bother with a trial to hear evidence.

Christie promptly vowed to repeal. He said the NJ Supremes must rule. Unless the legislature overturns his veto. Christie is up for reelection this fall. Because he is best buds with Obama (see Sandy coverage) he is way ahead of his challenger Barbara Buono. But she is narrowing the gap (like from 30 points behind to merely 18 points) by highlighting she is for marriage equality and Christie isn't.

The courts and legislature in Illinois, another place with civil unions, are going to be paying close attention to NJ.