New Jersey Begins Accepting Gay Marriage License Applications

Gay marriage has hit the Garden State this week, with some municipalities throughout Jersey following in the footsteps of Montgomery County by accepting license applications for same-sex couples without an official go-ahead from the state.

Chief among the towns participating are Monmouth County’s Asbury Park and Red Bank, says Garden State Equality executive director Troy Stevenson:

Troy Stevenson, executive director of Garden State Equality, said Red Bank and Asbury Park in Monmouth County had started accepting applications and other municipalities were considering doing so.

“The time for marriage is now, and there should be no further delay,” Stevenson said. “We applaud mayors for taking the proactive approach by providing the freedom to marry as quickly as possible to all couples within their jurisdiction.”

There has been some mild confusion regarding the laws, with some left wondering if marriage license processing will begin on the agree-upon date of this coming Monday, or if marriages will begin to be held on that day. Unfortunately, little clarification has made tits way out, but it appears that Jersey’s running with it anyway.

Chris Christie, though, isn’t taking the advancement of rights for all people regardless of sexual preference lying down. In fact, his administration has appealed a September 27 Superior Court ruling that said Jersey’s civil-union laws violate same-sex couples’ civil rights, hoping to get a stay of order.

But, unfortunately for Christie, it’s too late. When suburban New Jersey starts issue gay marriage licenses, the battle is pretty much over–even if we’re still waiting on strongholds like Lambertville and several others to start filing. [Philly.com]