COMMENTARY | New Jersey is poised to become a state that stands up for freedom and equal rights by passing a marriage equality bill that would grant gay couples the right to wed in the state, according to CNN. But Gov. Chris Christie would rather fight against freedom and equal rights by doing an end-run around the normal legislative process in an attempt to deny this basic freedom to same-sex couples.
"I think that this is not an issue that should rest solely in my hands, in the hands of the Senate president or in the hands of the speaker or the other 118 members of the Legislature. Let's let the people of New Jersey decide what is right for the state," the governor said. Apparently he forgets those members of the legislature were elected to represent the people of New Jersey. That's what the word "representative" means.
If you want to see how ludicrous his position is you need only substitute in the name of any other minority group into his quote. Can you imagine the outcry if he said, "The legislators should not be allowed to decide whether (blacks, Jews, Asians) should be able to marry?" For some reason his behavior is not condemned when he attacks gay people.
In America we're the laughingstock of the civilized world for our backward ideals about love, sex and marriage. Gov. Christie is demonstrating clearly why this is so. There is absolutely no reason to deny a couple a marriage license just because both people are of the same gender.
Christians holler about their holy book, their ministers and their deity demanding that marriage be reserved for one man and one woman. Insisting on adhering to that dogma because the Christian religion says so is ridiculous.
If you use that as a guide, then other holy books would demand to be honored as well. Muslims and Mormons, for example, have holy books promoting polygamy. The Hindu faith permits marriage of humans and snakes, according to a Harper's article.
When religion and civil law are mixed the result is always oppression, discrimination and senseless legislation. Stop demanding religious interpretations of marriage and just let loving couples marry. Gov. Christie should be ashamed of himself for fighting against civil rights, as should people trying to impose their religious views through legislation.
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