Quinnipiac: N.J. voters back marriage equality

[JackBeck]

By Editor

New Jerseyans support a law that would allow same sex couples to marry, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll released this morning. The proposed law, which would be voted on by legislators later this year, is backed 49%-43% -- a huge increase from a December 2007 Quinnipiac poll that showed 50% of state voters opposing same-sex marriage. And nearly two-thirds of the voters back the existing civil union law.

Public support for marriage equality comes even after the National Organization for Marriage launched a reported $1.5 million TV ad campaign opposing same-sex marriage in New Jersey.

By a 66%-30%, New Jersey voters reject the argument that same-sex marriage ""is a threat to the traditional marriage between a man and a woman."

"Legislators, take note: No matter what lies our opponents throw on television, New Jersey stands by marriage equality and will stand by you when you vote to end discrimination in marriage in 2009," said Steven Goldstein, chair of Garden State Equality.

http://www.politickernj.com/editor/29221/quinnipiac-nj-voters-back-marriage-equality

That's an increase in marriage equlity support, despite NOM's $1.5 million national ad buy, of which sources indicate had its heaviest buy in New Jersey.

If you live in NJ or have family or friends that live here, please have them contact these three legislators before 5pm today:

Senate President Dick Codey at [phone]

Senate Majority Leader Steve Sweeney at [phone]

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Paul Sarlo at [phone].

Feel free to use this script and make it your own:

"Today, Quinnipiac came out with a poll showing New Jersey favors marriage equality. I wanted to make sure that the Senator sees the results of this independent poll. And I want the Senator to know I would like him to strongly support the marriage equality bill."

The "Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage Act" (S1967) is currently before the Judiciary Committee. We need your help in getting this bill out of committee.

[blueclown]

1. Yep. This doesn't suprise me.

Most people who are informed about this issue are in favor of marriage equality. The anti gay marriage bigots prey on ignorance. It's the only way they win.

[Fuzz]

2. I went to the first gay marriage in Hillbourough county in NJ

The Republican mayor performed the ceremony, and he remarked that he was surprised to see so many families in attendance. I just looked at him in a weird way.

[SPedigrees]

3. That's what happened in Vermont.

Install civil unions, let sit for a few years til the homophobia subsides, then enact gay marriage rights. Recipe for success.

[tabbycat31]

4. dosent surprise me

FWIW I haven't seen the ad yet, but will laugh if I do. I've contacted my own (GOP) legislators about it and they both spun my words.

[JerseygirlCT]

5. Good to see! nt