New Jersey Senate Passes Bill Legalizing Gay Marriage

2012 has, so far, been a year of evolving views on gay rights and marriage equality. After the state of California recently overturned the unconstitutional ideals of Proposition 8, New Jersey followed suit today by allowing nuptials for same-sex couples, despite Gov. Chris Christie's resistance. Although the governor will have a major factor in the final result, the Garden State is nearing the end of its battle for gay marriage.

The Huffington Post reports, "New Jersey lawmakers gave their blessing to legalizing gay marriage for the first time Monday as the state Senate passed a bill that would allow nuptials for same-sex couples. The Senate's 24-16 vote sends the bill to the Assembly, which is expected to pass it on Thursday."

In the event that Christie vetoes the state's ruling, gay rights groups have a judiciary plan of action to move forward.

"If Christie vetoes the measure, the Legislature would have until January 2014 to override it by getting two-thirds of the votes in each chamber. Advocates hope that with nearly two years, they can change enough votes to get the legislation adopted. The other route is through the courts. Five years ago, New Jersey's state Supreme Court ruled that gay couples should have the same rights as married heterosexual couples. In response, the Legislature created civil unions."

The deciding factor is whether gay marriage will be viewed as a civil right or if laws protecting traditional marriage rights will be imposed. With the topic becoming the leading factor for the recent G.O.P. nominations and also at the forefront of our nation's upcoming elections, the inequalities of our country are breaking down and gaining nationwide attention.