Gay Marriage Vote in NJ Senate on Thursday

[Rowan]

The state senate will vote on marriage equality legislation on Thursday, Senate President Richard Codey (D-Roseland) announced today.

“Given the intensely personal nature of this issue, I think the people of this state deserve the right to a formal debate on the Senate floor,” said Codey.  “I’d like to commend both sides of this issue for their passionate advocacy thus far and the heartfelt testimony that we have heard.”

The legislation was cleared for a vote by the Senate Judiciary Committee last month after seven hours of testimony by supporters and opponents.  But the senate vote was postponed to allow the assembly to consider the bill.

Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts (D-Camden) last week announced that he would not post the bill without action in the senate. 

http://www.politickernj.com/matt-friedman/35774/senate-vote-marriage-equality-thursday

[Rowan]

Well, that's something. It will probably go down in flames as in New York but at least we'll be on the record for the first time.

Should do better than New York, maybe failing by only a vote or two. OTOH, I can't think of any Republicans who might vote for it. Diane Allen has sold out.

The moron Baroni will probably be the only one.

[Rowan]

Oh, and the debate begins at 2 PM. You can watch it online here:

http://www.njn.net/newspublicaffairs/coverage/gaymarriagevote.html

[Rowan]

Civil rights are inherent and should not be decided by "the people".. instead they should be protected by the government, "the people" be damned.

Government is instigated by the people.

Indeed.. unfortunately, representative democracy with strong checks and balances is about the best system we have for now.... because it does allow for social change, albeit slow social change.

But when it comes to civil rights, I do not believe they are earned or that they are a privilege.. I believe they are a basic human right and that no constitution, lawmaking body, or citizenry has the right to infringe upon them.  These rights transcend human civilization and government.

If we're voting on a highway system or a new national park... the people should have a strong input.  When it comes to my personal sexual orientation or whom I wish to marry, the government has no right to tell me no.. and giving preference to one group over another is inherently wrong... again, the will of the people be damned.  I don't care if 51% hate gays.  That 51% doesn't have any right to rule when it comes to civil rights.  End of story.

The people have the power to do anything. I think what you are saying is that you think additional personal liberty freedoms should be put in the Constitution, so that it would require a super majority to do something that you consider execrable. And that is a perfectly reasonable position. However, gay marriage is coming nationally in rather short order anyway, certainly within the next decade, and it will be done legislatively.

Within the next decade nationally? No, not even close.