New Jersey Assembly Passes Gay Marriage Bill, Governor Promises Veto

The New Jersey Assembly has just passed a gay marriage bill 42 to 33. Republican Gov. Chris Christie - a potential vice-presidential candidate - has promised a veto.

Yay and boo. C'mon Christie, do what's right for New Jersey!

From Reuters:

The New Jersey Assembly passed legislation legalizing same-sex marriage on Thursday, sending the measure to Republican Gov. Chris Christie, a possible vice-presidential candidate who has promised a veto.

The Assembly vote of 42 to 33 affirmed a Senate vote from Monday and increased the scrutiny on Christie, a supporter of Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney who has attempted to deflect controversy by saying the matter should be settled by voters in a referendum.

Both chambers appeared to lack the two-thirds majority needed to override a veto. Christie's spokesman said the governor would have no further comment on the legislation Thursday, but he has been emphatic in the past about his intention to veto it.

The New Jersey vote took place just as Maryland's House of Delegates was due to debate a similar initiative legalizing same-sex marriage, highlighting a contentious social issue gaining prominence in a presidential election year.