(TRENTON) – Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer/Hunterdon), sponsor of marriage equality legislation (A-1) in New Jersey, released the following statement Thursday on Gov. Chris Christie’s comment that, “People would have been happy to have a referendum on civil rights rather than fighting and dying in the streets in the South.”:
“Is Gov. Christie actually saying the civil rights gains this nation saw in the 1960s should not have been legislated? If so, that’s very disturbing.
“James Meredith wouldn’t have gotten into the University of Mississippi any sooner if it were up to Chris Christie.
“And Govs. Lester Maddox and George Wallace would have found allies in Chris Christie over efforts by the Justice Department to end segregation in the South.
“It took a lot of bravery by a lot of people, including elected officials, to stand up for what was right and protect equal rights in this nation. Governor, it’s time for you to follow their brave example when it comes to marriage equality.”