New Jersey Supreme Court to allow same-sex marriages

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.New Jersey same-sex marriages now allowed thanks to supreme court.

In a special ceremony, Mayor Cory A. Booker will marry seven gay, lesbian and straight Newark couples on Monday, October 21st at 12:01 am in City Hall.

The state’s highest court level ruled unanimously Friday to uphold a lower-court order that same-sex marriages must start Monday. It also denied a delay that was sought by Gov. Chris Christie’s administration.

A judge on a lower court ruled last month that New Jersey must recognize same-sex marriages and set Monday as the date to allow gay weddings. Christie, a Republican who is considered a possible 2016 presidential candidate, appealed the decision and asked for the start date to be put on hold while the state appeals.

But the show will go on and same-sex couples will begin getting married on Monday, 12:01 on the dot.

Since taking office in 2006, Mayor Booker has refused all requests to officiate New Jersey marriages because gay and lesbian couples have been denied that equal right.

The couples will be married individually in the first floor rotunda of City Hall. The event will begin at 11:45 p.m. as couples begin entering the rotunda from the second floor.

Ceremonies will begin promptly at 12:01 a.m. The ceremonies will be followed by cake and refreshments.