Speaker Oliver Hails Marriage Equality Ruling

Urges Gov. Christie Not to Appeal

(TRENTON) – New Jersey Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver (D-Essex/Passaic) released the following statement Friday after a state Superior Court judge ruled marriage equality must come to New Jersey starting Oct. 21:

“I’m ecstatic to see today’s ruling. This is a great victory for civil rights and treating everyone equally under the law.

“Sadly, same-sex couples were denied equal rights for too long, and Gov. Christie’s veto only prolonged their struggle unnecessarily. Oct. 21 should be a very exciting day for many loving New Jersey couples, and I hope Gov. Christie does the right thing and does not appeal. Justice has already been denied for far too long. Let’s clear the way for equal rights for all families.

“As Congressman John Lewis reminded us when he visited New Jersey last year, ‘It’s a question of human dignity, a question of human rights.’ This ruling is an answer to that question. This ruling brings justice for all.”