N.J. Senate's gay marriage approval is another step in a long march

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/02/nj_senates_gay_marriage_approv.html

The victory was far from the last word, however. Supporters are still three votes short of the 27 votes needed to override a promised veto by Gov. Chris Christie, though Senate Democrats said they were confident.
"I’m telling you we can override and we will override," said Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester), who abstained two years ago but led the charge this year. "This is just the beginning of the fight.

Chris Christie's promise to veto is based on his insistence that the matter should be put to a ballot measure. It's a bit of a cop out, allowing him to remain on the good side of social conservatives nationally while also plausibly maintaining non-hatred of civil unions that will keep him in office in New Jersey. But why should a civil right be put to a ballot measure. Should voters in 1965 Alabama had the right to decide whether blacks should vote or attend integrated schools? Should voters in New Jeresey have a right to decide whether Jews can worship as they choose? Could any lone nut or well heeled social group be able to put the civil rights of others to a statewide vote?