Christie Appealing Gay Marriage Ruling in N.J.

Fights decision that state must allow same-sex marriage

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New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is fighting a judge’s ruling that the state must allow same-sex couples to get married.

Christie wouldn’t comment Friday on the judge’s ruling, the Associated Press reports, but a spokesman said his administration would appeal to the state Supreme Court.

“Gov. 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,” said spokesman Michael Drewniak. “Since the Legislature refused to allow the people to decide expeditiously, we will let the Supreme Court make this constitutional determination.”

Judge Mary Jacobson said Friday that the state is violating New Jersey’s constitution by denying marriage benefits to same-sex couples now that the federal government is recognizing same-sex marriages. She said the state must allowing them to wed by Oct. 21.

Christie, a Republican, is cruising toward reelection in a heavily Democratic state where polls show considerable support for same-sex marriage. But he’s also eyeing a 2016 presidential run.