Chris Christie has said he would take 'swift action' against the bill if it hit his desk. Christie set to veto gay marriage bill

The New Jersey Assembly passed a bill recognizing gay marriage on Thursday, setting the stage for a veto by Gov. Chris Christie.

The state Assembly vote, 42-33, came after more than two hours of debate, The Associated Press reported. Christie, a Republican who favors a statewide referendum on the issue, has vowed a veto. On Tuesday, he said he would take “swift action” against the bill if it hit his desk.


The legislature would have until January 2014 to muster enough votes for an override.

The state Senate passed the measure, 24-16, on Monday.

In Washington state on Monday, Gov. Christine Gregoire signed a measure legalizing gay marriage, making the state the seventh, along with the District of Columbia, to allow same-sex marriage. The other states are New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Iowa, Connecticut, Vermont.

The Washington law will take effect on June 7.

Maryland’s House of Delegates is set to vote on a similar measure on Friday.