FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 8, 2009

CONTACT: Elizabeth Ray, x130 or Mary Beth Hutchins, x105 at 703-683-5004

National Organization For Marriage To New Jersey Senate: Don't Mess with Marriage

WASHINGTON - The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) is calling on the state Senate in New Jersey to vote down a bill that would redefine marriage in the state. The Senate Judiciary Committee cleared the bill on Monday by the thinnest of margins and it now moves on to the full Senate for a vote.

“Gay marriage is not the priority of New Jersey voters, and senators in New Jersey should follow New York's lead in rejecting this lame-duck effort to impose gay marriage,” said Brian Brown, executive director of NOM. “NOM's poll in two swing senate districts in New Jersey found that no more than 2 percent of voters consider gay marriage one of their top three legislative priorities for this lame-duck session. Why would politicians follow defeated Gov. Jon Corzine's lead off this particular cliff?"

"New Jersey voters and politicians have given a great deal to Garden State Equality in the last few years, including full civil unions. Steven Goldstein has boasted that New Jersey is one of the best states for gay rights in the country, thanks to his organization's efforts. Why are they insisting on the right to redefine marriage, whether or not the people of New Jersey like it?” asked Maggie Gallagher, president of NOM.

The National Organization for Marriage will have spent more than $600,000 in voter outreach in New Jersey through radio and TV ads, and robo-call technology to educate the New Jersey public about this important issue.

To schedule an interview with Brian Brown, Executive Director for the National Organization for Marriage, please contact Elizabeth Ray, eray@crcpublicrelations.com, (x130) or Mary Beth Hutchins, mhutchins@crcpublicrelations.com, (x105) at 703-683-5004.

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