Chris Christie Drops Challenge To Same-Sex Marriage

chris_christie_2013New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie announced Monday he is abandoning the legal challenge to same-sex marriage, saying last week’s court decision giving gays and lesbians the right to wed “left no ambiguity.”

Even before Christie dropped his administration’s appeal, couples were tying the knot, with Senator-elect Cory Booker officiating at seven weddings.

“It is officially past midnight, marriage is now equal in New Jersey,” Booker said to applause and cheers.

Booker, who had never officiated a wedding since becoming Newark mayor in 2006, called the occasion one of “the greatest privileges and honors” and “one of the most magical moments” of his life.

On Friday, the state Supreme Court refused to delay a lower court order for the state to begin recognizing same-sex marriages. On Monday morning, Christie said in a statement that he ordered an appeal dropped.

 

Source: NBC