UPDATE:Marriage Bill failed 14-20.

The New Jersey Senate is scheduled to vote Thursday, January 7 on the Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage Act (S1967).  The Senate session starts at 2 pm in session now! There are over 50 items on the day’s agenda (see below fold).

2:35 – The session opened with a prayer by a Christian preacher who invoked Jesus and God, which elicited applause from the gallery.  How does this bode for the religious impartiality of the Senate of New Jersey?

3:00 – Marriage bill is getting it’s 3rd reading now.  Senator Loretta Weinberg, the main sponsor, is speaking.

Senate President Codey spoke in support, reminding us of all the expansions to the definition of civil equality throughout US history.  Of the foot-draggers he asks, “what were they afraid of.”

Senator Lesniak speaking in support from the pov of a veteran.  Highlighting the wide religious support for marriage equality in NJ, calling it deprivation of freedom of religion if the marriage equality law doesn’t pass, according to the NJ Constitution.

Senator Baroni (R) speaking in support, addressing the two major dodges used by equality opponents: protecting church’s right to discriminate, and “lets just fix” civil unions.

Senator Cardinale endorsing inequality and heterosupremacy, saying that CUs can be fixed “without doing violence to marriage”.  He wants a public referendum.

Senator Doherty uses his maiden speech in the senate to say that senators shouldn’t make decisions on topics like the actualization of civil law for same-sex couples.  So I guess he’ll resign now.

Senator Kean (R) speaks postivily of gays, but will vote NO without explanation.  Pissed at proponents’ characterizations of opponents.

Senator Girgenti opines lack of civility today as he favors continued bigotry.  Go figure.

Senator Buono recalls divided NJSC marriage ruling.  She finds it easy to defend marriage equality on purely legal grounds as a civil rights issue, a comment she aims at Sen. Cardinale.  But it’s also about basic human fairness, correct an injustice, demonstrate they have courage to take a stand on a controversial issue.  She will vote YES.

Senator Gill supports bill, says it is an equal protection issue, draws parallel to Loving v Virginia.  Her logic is beautiful.

Senator Gordon, a supporter, reminds his colleagues that civil rights advances never happen via referendum, but via legislative action.  He cites Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act.  Cites Federalist Papers, and how American government is structured to protect the rights of minorities from the tyranny of the majority.

Senator Ruiz, a supporter, speaks personally of how, as a Latina woman, she’s been “the other”, and never wants to vote “it’s ok for me but not for you.”

Senator Cunningham is a proud descendant of slaves, and reminds us slavery isn’t that far in the past.  Her family member, who was a child slave, told his family how religion was used to justify slavery.  FOr her, important to stand and say everyone has a right to fight for the kind of life everyone wants.  Senate responsibility is to protect rights of all citizens, not judge.  That is the American dream.

Senator Weinberg wrapping up.

Watch the live Senate debate HERE and HERENYT: Show leadership, Senator Sweeney.  Do the right thing, Senators.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the bill last month. And the outgoing Senate president, Richard Codey, a supporter of marriage equality, has now made the right call in scheduling Thursday’s floor vote – despite qualms over whether the measure has enough support at this point to pass. The legislation’s chances would be considerably enhanced if the majority leader, Stephen Sweeney, would use the debate to endorse it and rally wavering fellow Democrats to join him.

Mr. Sweeney, who will succeed Mr. Codey as Senate president this month, has declined to say whether he supports the same-sex marriage bill, raising concerns about how he will exercise his influential new role.

It is not too late for him – and all New Jersey legislators – to show real leadership and stand up for the fundamental rights of New Jersey’s gay and lesbian citizens. If the Legislature does not act now, justice could be delayed for years.

According to the NJ Legislature website, the Assembly has now also scheduled a vote on the marriage equality bill Monday, January 11.  Jay Lassiter reports at Blue Jersey that it is unusual for the Assembly to schedule a vote on a bill without first having a hearing in the Assembly Judiciary committee.  Nevertheless, this is what Assembly Speaker Roberts has done.  Despite the unusual procedure, New Jerseyans deserve to know which legislators represent equality for all, and which back the enshrinement of Fred Phelps-style bigotry into civil law.

If you’re in New Jersey, it’s not too late to call your senator in advance of tomorrow’s today’s vote.  It’s after hours, but you can leave a message.  Ask your legislators to vote YES on S1967, the Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage Act.  Find your legislators and their contact information here.