The New Jersey Senate is scheduled to vote on a marriage equality bill today (Thursday). It was originally scheduled for last month, but was delayed for fear of not having enough votes to pass. The push to vote now, largely, has to do with the Governor. If the bill passes both the Senate and the Assembly (who would vote Monday), the bill would then go to Governor Jon Corzine, who has already said that the supports marriage equality. The problem is that after January 20, Chris Christie will be Governor of New Jersey, and he has said that he will veto the bill.

If the bill manages to make it to Governor Corzine’s desk, New Jersey will become the 6th state where gay and lesbian couples can legally marry. Massachusetts granted equality in 2003, with Connecticut in 2008, and Vermont, New Hampshire, and Iowa in 2009.

According to Press of Atlantic City:

 The Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage Act essentially would  convert the state’s civil unions into marriages, unless dissolved, while exempting  churches and religious institutions from performing them.

You can watch the proceedings online, courtesy of NJN.

Here’s to keeping your fingers crossed!

~ Samantha