Campaign for NJ gay marriage vote could be costly
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - Gay rights advocates in New Jersey have been pushing for a decade to get state courts or lawmakers to recognize same-sex marriage. But this week, they demurred when Gov. Chris Christie called for a public vote to settle the topic. The main reason they've given is based on principle: It's not fair, they say, to let voters decide a civil rights issue.
But there's more to their position. It would be a costly and divisive fight, and they know the odds are against them, even though several recent polls have shown the majority of New Jersey voters support allowing gay marriage.
Steven Goldstein, chairman of the gay rights group Garden State Equality, said a public vote on the issue would not really reflect the will of the people.
"A referendum reflects which side can corrupt the political system with more money," he said.
http://www.njherald.com/story/16618609/campaign-for-nj-gay-marriage-vote-could-be-costly