Governor Chris Christie Drops Challenge To Same-Sex Marriage In New Jersey

Today is a great day in New Jersey. Just after midnight this morning, the officiants began performing legally recognized same-sex unions. Then a few hours later the state's Republican governor announced that he is ditching his legal challenge to the nuptials.

There was much to celebrate on Friday, when the New Jersey Supreme Court declined to delay a lower court order that the State should begin recognizing same-sex marriages NBC reports that Christie had appealed the lower court order, but dropped his challenge this morning.

In a statement from Christie, he wrote, "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.'" He continued, that though he disagreed with the court's ruling, "the Governor will do his constitutional duty and ensure his Administration enforces the law as dictated by the New Jersey Supreme Court."

New Jersey is now the 14th State to recognize same-sex unions.