Two New Jersey assembly members have joined pro-family advocates in pressing for a voter-approved constitutional amendment to preserve marriage, the Bridgeton News reported.
Last October, the state Supreme Court mandated that the Legislature offer the rights and benefits of marriage to same-sex couples. Lawmakers responded by passing a civil-unions bill.
Assemblyman Michael Doherty and Assemblywoman Allison Littell McHose, both Republicans, agree it should be up to voters to decide the definition of marriage.
"This is not going to be resolved in the minds of eight-and-a-half million people until they have an opportunity to vote," Doherty said.
The New Jersey Family Policy Council (NJFPC) has printed enough petitions to gather 300,000 signatures in support of an amendment. It would define marriage as solely the union of one man and one woman.
"We are asking the Legislature to let the people decide," said NJFPC President Len Deo. "In 27 states, when the people were given the chance to vote, they clearly approved the historic, legal definition of marriage."
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
To learn more about the efforts of the New Jersey Family Policy Council, visit the group's Web site.
