Same-sex marriage continues its march across America as New Jersey becomes the 14th state to allow same-sex marriage. Political specatators will probably cast Chris Christie as the political winner. For one, as the leader of a deep blue state, Christie's personal stance against same-sex marriage was expected to be overriden by the legislature; where Republicans were poised to buck the governor's veto of a same-sex marriage bill. Thus, Christie has been spared from a legislative veto. Secondly, as a potential 2016 candidate, the court's insistence on bringing same-sex marriage to New Jersey rescues Christie from facing accusations made by conservatives against Christie that he was soft on marriage. To his credit, Christie has stood on principle stating that he is personally against same-sex marriage. But, as is increasingly becoming the case, the court is stepping in and settling the debate.
Perhaps the most troubling outcome of the imposition of same-sex marriage in New Jersey is the trend to place the issue of marriage outside the will of the people; an affront to the democratic process and a denial of our right to choose how we wish to be governed.