The Chris Christie administration has just withdrawn its challenge to same-sex marriage. The New Jersey governor was appealing a state Superior Court ruling that mandated same-sex couples be allowed to legally marry as of today. The New Jersey Supreme Court on Friday denied the Governor’s request to delay the start date, and indicted that when it hears Christie’s appeal in January it would not deliver a ruling favorable to Christie.
“Chief Justice Rabner left no ambiguity about the unanimous court’s view on the ultimate decision in this matter when he wrote, ‘same-sex couples who cannot marry are not treated equally under the law today,'” a statement from Christie’s office reads.
“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.”
Evan Wolfson, founder and president of Freedom to Marry, released the following statement:
“At long last, the freedom to marry is now permanently law of the land in New Jersey. The marriages of loving, committed couples throughout the Garden State, combined with Governor Christie’s withdrawal of his appeal, is joyous news to New Jerseyans, both gay and non-gay. The momentum continues to build nationwide and we are working hard to deliver victories in Hawaii, Illinois and New Mexico yet in 2013.”
This story has been updated with comments from the Governor’s office and from Evan Wolfson.
Image via Chris Christie on Facebook