Corzine’s makes gay-marriage prominent part of re-election campaign

(New Jersey) Gov. Jon Corzine has made his support for gay-marriage a prominent part of his reelection campaign, a stance opposite to the views he held as recently as 2006. While campaigning over the past couple of week, Corzine has made same-sex marriage an important part of his crusade.

“We believe …

Gay marriage now key issue for Corzine

Gov. Corzine has made “marriage equality” for gays and lesbians a prominent piece of his reelection campaign, taking another step in his conversion on the issue and encouraging gay-rights advocates who hope to see same-sex marriage approved in New Jersey this year.

In public speeches and private appearances, Corzine, who as recently as 2006 said he believed marriage should be between a man and a woman, has touted his support of same-sex marriage.

In raising the issue, he has tried to draw a bright-line divide with his Republican opponent, Christopher J. Christie, who has said he would veto a bill allowing gay and lesbian couples to wed.

“We believe that government should allow people the freedom to marry whomever they love,” Corzine said in his general-election kickoff speech June 2.

At a gay-pride parade days later in Asbury Park, N.J., Corzine referred to his campaign and told cheering revelers: “Marriage equality is on the ballot. Are you going to help us make it come to pass in New Jersey?”

His campaign posted a video clip online showing the event.

See Gay marriage now key issue for Corzine

Philadelphia Inquirer -

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