A day after legalizing same sex marriage in Washington, Governor Chris Gregoire sent a letter to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie regarding his highly publicized opposition to passing a similar law in New Jersey.
Ms. Gregoire seemingly represents the Democratic west coast liberal view of the gay marriage law, while Mr. Christie represents the widespread Republican opposition to legalizing gay marriage.
In recent weeks the New Jersey state legislature has been considering a gay marriage bill, while Mr. Christie simultaneously has been vocal in his opposition to the bill.
Ms. Gregoire sent the letter to Mr. Christie at the end of January offering to meet with him.
The New Jersey Republican has not publicly commented on the letter, but has remained steadfast in his opposition to making New Jersey the next gay marriage state.
“I have been on a personal journey, because while I am governor, I am also Catholic,” wrote Ms. Gregoire in the letter to Mr. Christie. “I’ve reached a point where I have found my place.”
On Monday, the New Jersey state Senate approved a gay marriage bill that will be sent to the New Jersey state Assembly on Thursday.
However, Mr. Christie does not believe it will receive enough votes to pass, and has also vowed to veto the bill if it is able to pass.
“Rather than having stalemate and deadlock on this issue, which is inevitably where it will where it will lead if they pass the legislation to send it to me because I will not sign it, it will be vetoed,” said Mr. Christie during a January news conference. “Lets let the people of New Jersey decide whats right for the state, lets put the question of same sex marriage on the ballot this fall in the hands of the people.”
Mr. Christie will face pressure to sign the bill Thursday though if it does get passed by the state assembly.
If Mr. Christie were to sign the bill into law, New Jersey would become the eighth state to legalize gay marriage. The governor does not believe the bill will receive enough votes to pass.
The offer from Governor Gregoire still stands, however as of today Mr. Christie still has not accepted her invitation.
