Two NJ newspapers reverse their position and now support marriage equality.

The momentum is really building in anticipation for the NJ legislature's vote on S1/A1 Marriage Equality and Religious Exemption Act.

Today, the Asbury Park Press and Courier-Post (from the more conservative South Jersey) both endorsed marriage equality, which they perviously did not support.

Gay marriage: Time to say "I Do"

Some battles need to be fought, even if victory is far from certain. Maybe even especially then.

In the case of marriage equality in New Jersey, that time is now.

Last week, the “Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage Act” was introduced in the state Senate and given the designation S-1 to showcase its importance. Senate President Stephen Sweeney, Sen. Raymond Lesniak and Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg will serve as prime sponsors.

This comes just over two years after a similar measure was defeated in the Senate, 20-14. Sweeney was one of five senators who abstained from voting. His change of heart is welcome, as is his confidence that this time around, legislators have the votes necessary to pass it.

More at: http://www.app.com/article/20120115/NJOPINION01/301150018/Gay-marriage-Time-say-do-?odyssey=mod

State should allow same-sex marriage

Marriage is a sacrament, a sacred, holy bond between a man and woman for the purpose of forming families and raising children.

Marriage is also a contract, established by a stamped document filed with local public officials, that binds two adults together and grants them certain legal privileges and status in the eyes of the law.

It’s almost as if it’s two different things that share the same word — one thing that’s spiritual and cultural, another that’s more mechanical and about secular processes and rights.

We raise this issue because, once again, legislators in Trenton appear poised to take up the issue of whether to grant same-sex couples in New Jersey the right to marry, or, more precisely, to marry in the eyes of the law and obtain a marriage license.

More at: http://www.courierpostonline.com/article/20120115/OPINION03/301150017/State-should-allow-same-sex-marriage