Supporters of Gay Marriage Should Go the Referendum Route

Governor Christie recently vetoed  legislation allowing gay marriage in New Jersey. Proponents of the bill have till Jan. 14, 2014 to get three more senate and eleven more assembly votes to over ride the veto. The governor calls for a referendum so the public may decide this decisive issue.  

Proponents of gay rights say putting an issue dealing with basic civil rights should not be up to the voters. If this were so then why does gay marriage require the vote of the legislature? The same proponents use poles to show the public is with them but refuse to allow this claim proved at the ballot box. There is a good reason for this. Polls measure opinion but voting measures passion and intensity. A Kean University/NJ Speaks pole found 57 percent supporting a public referendum with 32 percent opposing while 48 percent favor gay marriage and 37 percent oppose it. It is clear opposition to a referendum has more to do with politics than political principal.  

The decision to accept gay marriage is much more than providing the right of marriage for gays. It changes the fundamental family structure. Society is based around the structure of the family. I see the long-term breakdown of the family causing many of our problems. This further restructuring is something that should not be taken lightly.

Governor Christie, regardless of motivation, has the principled approach. This kind of change should go through a referendum. Opponents have to accept a passed referendum. Opponents also loose the claim of having the “gay agenda” shoved down their throats. Proponents of gay marriage would be better served by moving to the referendum process.