Assembly Budget Chairman Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson/Bergen) released the following statement Friday after a state Superior Court judge ruled marriage equality must come to New Jersey starting Oct. 21:
“Today is a historic day for equal rights in New Jersey. We have a lot of issues to deal with in our state, but we cannot allow inequality to stand. That’s why this decision is so significant and important for many New Jerseyans who live in loving and committed relationships but lack the full rights of marriage. We are closer than ever before to making marriage equality a reality, and that’s a good thing for everyone.
“Gov. Christie has indicated he plans to appeal, but I hope he changes his mind. He has the right to appeal, but he should not. He should not stand in the way of equal rights for the residents he represents. Those equal rights are within reach, so I ask Gov. Christie not to stand in the way. Same-sex couples have already waited too long.”