The Christie administration is withdrawing its appeal of a ruling allowing gay marriage in New Jersey.

Lambertville Mayor Dave DelVecchio officiates a marriage ceremony for Beth Asaro and Joanne Schailey (David Matthau, Townsquare Media NJ)

Christie spokesman Colin Reed tells the Star Ledger that the state Supreme Court's ruling "left no ambiguity about the unanimous court's view on the ultimate decision in this matter when he wrote, 'same-sex couples who cannot marry are not treated equally under the law today.' "

Reed added that the governor maintains his objection to the court deciding the matter. He has always supported the issue being a ballot question for the voters to decide. The governor "will do his constitutional duty and ensure his administration enforces the law as dictated by the New Jersey Supreme Court," said Reed.

Reaction to the decision was warmly received by gay marriage supporters. "This is the day we've been fighting for. This is the day we won. Marriage equality is the law of the land in New Jersey at last," Troy Stevenson, Executive Director, Garden State Equality," posted on their Facebook page. The group will hold a press conference on Monday afternoon.

"New Jersey is now a state that grants equality to all committed families and we are a better state for it," said Senate President Steve Sweeney, Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg and Senator Raymond J. Lesniak in a joint statement.

Democrat candidate for governor Barbara Buono said the decision came about thanks to "determined effort by brave individuals and a unanimous decision by the New Jersey Supreme Court" to end what she calls Christie's " bigoted views that are contrary to the values of our state.

Republican Support

A crowd gathers at Convention Hall in Asbury Park awaiting midnight (Garden State Equality via Facebook)

The ruling also received support from the Republican side of the aisle."The court’s decision allowing same-sex couples to marry is final. This has been a long-struggle where both sides have strong feelings, but the matter is settled. I wish success to all couples being married under the new law," said Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick.

“I have long urged Gov. Christie to drop his fight against civil rights, so I am pleased he has done so, even if continues to emphasize how he disagrees with the idea of equal treatment under the law," said Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver. “New Jersey has many reasons to rejoice today.

The state Supreme Court on Friday upheld a lower court's ruling that allowed gay marriages to be held in New Jersey starting today but the issue of its legality in New Jersey was still to be decided.



