Updated Oct. 21, 2013 10:06 a.m. ET
Gov. Chris Christie withdrew his administration's appeal of a lower court's ruling allowing gay marriage in the state, ushering in New Jersey as the 14th state in the U.S. to permit same-sex nuptials.
In a short statement Monday morning, the Christie administration said the New Jersey Supreme Court had tipped its hand in its support of gay marriage Friday when it decided to allow the nuptials to move forward while an appeal was being considered.
Beth Asaro, left, and Joanne Schailey celebrate after exchangeing vows to become the first same-sex couple married in Lambertville, N.J. history at 12:01 a.m. Monday. Associated Press
"Although the governor strongly disagrees with the court substituting its judgment for the constitutional process of the elected branches or a vote of the people, the court has now spoken clearly as to their view of the New Jersey Constitution," the administration said. "Therefore, same-sex marriage is the law."
Last month, a Superior Court judge ruled in support of gay marriage and set Monday as the day for the nuptials to go forward. Couples began to marry just after the stroke of midnight. The Christie administration appealed the decision and asked for a stay on the nuptials until the appeal could be considered.
The Supreme Court was set to consider the appeal of the ruling next year, with oral arguments set for January.
On Friday, the Supreme Court—including its three Republicans—unanimously ruled against the administration's arguments for a stay. The Christie administration said in response that it would direct local government to provide marriage licenses to gay couples, though it disagreed with the decision.
Unexpectedly, Mr. Christie directed Acting Attorney General John Hoffman to withdraw the state's appeal Monday morning. The one-page letter to the Supreme Court asked for the case to be withdrawn, but gave no reasoning for it.
"The governor will do his constitutional duty and ensure his Administration enforces the law as dictated by the New Jersey Supreme Court," the administration said.
With Mr. Christie's decision, all states on the East Coast north of Maryland and Washington D.C. now allow gay marriage.
Gov. Chris Christie withdrew his administration's appeal of a lower court's ruling allowing gay marriage in the state, ushering in New Jersey as the 14th state in the U.S. to permit same-sex nuptials.
In a short statement Monday morning, the Christie administration said the New Jersey Supreme Court had tipped its hand in its support of gay marriage Friday when it decided to allow the nuptials to move forward while an appeal was being considered.
Beth Asaro, left, and Joanne Schailey celebrate after exchangeing vows to become the first same-sex couple married in Lambertville, N.J. history at 12:01 a.m. Monday. Associated Press
"Although the governor strongly disagrees with the court substituting its judgment for the constitutional process of the elected branches or a vote of the people, the court has now spoken clearly as to their view of the New Jersey Constitution," the administration said. "Therefore, same-sex marriage is the law."
Last month, a Superior Court judge ruled in support of gay marriage and set Monday as the day for the nuptials to go forward. Couples began to marry just after the stroke of midnight. The Christie administration appealed the decision and asked for a stay on the nuptials until the appeal could be considered.
The Supreme Court was set to consider the appeal of the ruling next year, with oral arguments set for January.
On Friday, the Supreme Court—including its three Republicans—unanimously ruled against the administration's arguments for a stay. The Christie administration said in response that it would direct local government to provide marriage licenses to gay couples, though it disagreed with the decision.
Unexpectedly, Mr. Christie directed Acting Attorney General John Hoffman to withdraw the state's appeal Monday morning. The one-page letter to the Supreme Court asked for the case to be withdrawn, but gave no reasoning for it.
"The governor will do his constitutional duty and ensure his Administration enforces the law as dictated by the New Jersey Supreme Court," the administration said.
With Mr. Christie's decision, all states on the East Coast north of Maryland and Washington D.C. now allow gay marriage.