No substantive, worthy objections

Last Friday I wrote that the refusal of the NJ Supremes to stay same-sex marriage was a big clue on how they would rule when they heard the case in January. It looks like Gov. Chris Christie read the decision on the stay and noticed the same clue. Repealing same-sex marriage would be highly unlikely. So this morning Christie dropped his appeal. The New Jersey Supremes don't need to hear the case and New Jersey couples don't have to worry about their marriages being invalidated. We're done here. Next?

I heard (perhaps on NPR) that the professional anti-gay bigots and perhaps even the Tea Party is mighty displeased with Christie dropping his appeal. That either means Christie just blew his chances for prez. in 2016 or it allows him to be the moderate candidate.

Cory Booker, mayor of Newark and Senator-elect, did indeed conduct seven same-sex marriages just after midnight this morning in the city hall rotunda. As part of one of them this little scene played out:

Booker asked, "I must ask if there's anyone present here today that should know of any reason why Joseph and Orville should not be married, speak now or forever hold your peace."

Screamed a heckler. "This is unlawful in the eyes of God!"

Booker then had the heckler removed, and continued to cheers...

"Not hearing any substantive, worthy objections, I now will proceed."

And in Asbury Park one officiant was Rev. Tom Pivinski, a retired Catholic priest. Some commenters think he is Jesuit and his local Bishop can't revoke his pension.

As for next… Legislatures in Illinois and Hawaii get back to work next week with marriage equality high on the agenda. Then there's that case in New Mexico, a case in Nevada heating up, and a case in Tennessee just filed.