Bateman: Voters Deserve to Decide on Same Sex Marriage

Sen. Christopher "Kip" Bateman (R-16) said a recent Quinnipiac University poll provides undeniable evidence that more than ever it is the Legislature’s obligation to let New Jerseyans decide on same sex marriage.

“We do the best service to our residents by eliminating politics from this decision and allowing the people of this state to define their society and culture,” Bateman said. “We wouldn't be the first state to provide such justice.”

Quinnipiac’s poll shows support for a same sex marriage referendum is overwhelming, with a margin of more than 2-to-1 voters (67 percent) in favor. According to the poll, 57 percent of voters approve of same sex marriage.

Bateman has submitted a Senate resolution (SCR-88) that would, if passed by the Legislature and approved by voters, amend the State Constitution to permit same sex marriage in New Jersey. Bateman's proposal is modeled after efforts by marriage equality advocates in Maine, who have succeeded in collecting enough signatures to place a measure permitting same sex marriage on the ballot this year. Bateman’s amendment would approve, rather than prohibit, same sex marriage if garnering a majority of votes on election day.

“You can’t consider polls as a measure for same sex marriage, unless you accept public opinion entirely,” Bateman said. “Clearly, this must be put on November's ballot.”