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Lesniak Statement On Marriage Equality Conditional Veto

Senator Raymond J. Lesniak speaks at a news conference at the Statehouse regarding the passage of S-1, legislation that would establish marriage equality in New Jersey. The bill is sponsored by Senator Lesniak along with Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, D-Bergen and Senate President Stephen P. Sweeney, D-Salem, Cumberland, Gloucester. The bill passed the full Senate of 24-16. It now heads to the Assembly for further consideration. Also pictured are the Senate President, the Senate Majority Leader and Senator Bob Gordon, D-Bergen, Passaic.

TRENTON – Senator Raymond J. Lesniak, D-Union, one of the prime sponsors of legislation to ensure equal rights for same-sex couples in New Jersey, issued the following statement today blasting Governor Christie’s conditional veto of the legislation:

“The Governor’s failed attempt to rewrite his record on basic equal rights for same-sex couples is a smokescreen. As our Senate President has articulated, time and time again, the rights of same-sex couples do not belong on a ballot question. The only way to ensure equal rights for same-sex couples is to show leadership and pass the bill as is.

“Now that the governor has followed through on his promise to undercut marriage equality, it is up to us to follow through on our promise to work to override his misguided action. Belief in marriage equality is a matter of individual conscience, not a plank in a party platform. Now, we’re going to go about rewriting the state’s history. In the final chapter, doing what’s right always prevails over doing what’s politically expedient.”

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