Same-sex weddings can begin pending appeal, N.J. Supreme Court rules

Source: The Star-Ledger

Same-sex marriages can begin Monday in New Jersey on a provisional basis, the state Supreme Court ruled today.

The court will not make a final ruling on same-sex marriage rights until next year. But in the meantime, it upheld an order by a trial judge allowing civil marriages for gay couples to start Monday.

"The public interest does not favor a stay," the Supreme Court ruled in a 7-0 decision by Chief Justice Stuart Rabner today. "State officials shall therefore permit same-sex couples, who are otherwise eligible, to enter into civil marriage beginning on October 21, 2013."

Although the Supreme Court could change its stance later, for now, the decision is a victory for thousands of gay couples in New Jersey, who will be able to marry in-state for the first time starting next week.

Read more: http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/10/nj_supreme_court_gay_marriage_christie.html