![New Jersey Gov Vetoes Same-Sex Marriage Bill](http://townsquare.media/site/101/files/2012/02/129042530-630x411.jpg?w=980&q=75)
New Jersey Gov Vetoes Same-Sex Marriage Bill
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Gov. Chris Christie has backed up his promise to reject a bill allowing same-sex marriages in New Jersey.
His veto came Friday, a day after the state Assembly passed the bill. The Senate approved it Monday.
The Republican governor returned the bill to the Legislature, saying he wants voters to decide whether New Jersey changes the definition of marriage.
Democratic lawmakers say it's a civil rights issue that shouldn't be put up for a public vote.
Lawmakers have until the end of the January 2014 legislative session to override the veto.
They would need to get two-thirds of the lawmakers in the Assembly and Senate to agree. Both votes to pass it fell short of that mark.
The Democratic-controlled Legislature has been unsuccessful in every previous attempt to override Christie.
More From K2 Radio
![Bill Protecting Same-sex, Interracial Unions Passes House](http://townsquare.media/site/757/files/2015/06/Supreme-Court-gay-marriage-ruling.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Landmark same-sex marriage bill wins Senate passage](http://townsquare.media/site/101/files/2022/11/attachment-Yanos-Kanos.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Liz Cheney Votes to Codify Same-Sex and Interracial Marriages](http://townsquare.media/site/101/files/2021/10/attachment-GettyImages-1235991062.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Cowabunga! More than 800 Turtles Rescued from Storm Drains](http://townsquare.media/site/101/files/2021/05/GettyImages-1228439595.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Wyoming Republican Party: “The Definition of Marriage is the Union of One Man and One Woman”](http://townsquare.media/site/99/files/2020/09/Wyoming-Flag-02-2016.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![2 Justices Slam Court’s 2015 Decision in Gay Marriage Case](http://townsquare.media/site/101/files/2019/04/GettyImages-1044055120.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![In Reversal, Hallmark Will Reinstate Same-Sex Marriage Ads](http://townsquare.media/site/101/files/2019/12/GettyImages-156866434.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Ten Wounded As Gunmen Open Fire Outside New Jersey Bar](http://townsquare.media/site/99/files/2018/01/police-lights.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Wyoming Supreme Court Censures Pinedale Judge Who Refused to Perform Same-Sex Marriages](http://townsquare.media/site/99/files/2013/11/Wyoming_Supreme_Court_Building-2012_07_15_1441-630x418.jpg?w=980&q=75)