WASHINGTON – Today the New Jersey Supreme Court unanimously declined Gov. Chris Christie’s request for a stay of a lower court’s ruling that civil marriage licenses be granted to same-sex couples beginning Monday, October 21^st.  Human Rights Campaign (HRC) president Chad Griffin issued the following statement in response to today’s decision:

"The New Jersey Supreme Court has sent a momentous and vital message to the entire country," said HRC President Chad Griffin. "No government should stand in the way of committed and loving couples seeking to marry. And I have no doubt that when this case is resolved on the merits, marriage equality will come to the Garden State permanently.”

The unanimous ruling from the Court explained that this is a matter of equality:

“The State has advanced a number of arguments, but none of them overcome this reality: same-sex couples who cannot marry are not treated equally under the law today.  The harm to them is real, not abstract or speculative.”

The New Jersey Supreme Court will hear arguments in early January on the merits of the case, which was brought forth by Garden State Equality and Lambda Legal on behalf of seven New Jersey same-sex couples. 

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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