Marriage Equality: Victory in Maryland, Veto in New Jersey

It's been a wild day for marriage equality.

Just as he promised to do, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie vetoed the marriage equality bill passed by the New Jersey legislature:

The veto came a day after the state Assembly passed the bill. The state Senate had passed it on Monday. Christie, a Republican who opposes same-sex marriage, had vowed "very swift action" once the measure reached his desk.

In returning the bill to the Legislature, Christie reaffirmed his view that voters should decide whether to change the definition of marriage in New Jersey. His veto also proposed creating an ombudsman to oversee compliance with the state's civil union law, which same-sex couples have said is flawed and promotes discrimination.

 . . . "I have been just as adamant that same-sex couples in a civil union deserve the very same rights and benefits enjoyed by married couples – as well as the strict enforcement of those rights and benefits," said Christie's statement. "Discrimination should not be tolerated and any complaint alleging a violation of a citizen's right should be investigated and, if appropriate, remedied. To that end, I include in my conditional veto the creation of a strong Ombudsman for Civil Unions to carry on New Jersey's strong tradition of tolerance and fairness."

Oh blah, blah, blah. New Jersey legislators have two years to overturn Christie's veto and from what I hear they are primed and ready.

Meanwhile, in Maryland after a contentious debate, the Maryland House of Delegates passed that state's marriage equality bill:

After two days of contentious debate and the consideration of several amendments, the Maryland House of Delegates has passed marriage equality legislation with a vote of 71-67. One of the amendments passed delayed the date of enactment from October to January. Another created a non-severability clause, such that if the religious protections are overturned by the courts, the entire law would have to be deemed invalid. The measure still has to advance through the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee and full Senate, and even then, it is likely to be challenged by a referendum.

It's like I said yesterday. The momentum is clearly on our side and no matter what happens next, we won't stop. All the money in the world, nor horror stories or lies will stop us from getting security for ourselves and our loved ones.

We got a taste of success and we want more. We will get more, no matter how long it takes.