The 'Boss' backs same-sex marriage in New Jersey
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/12/09/art.springsteen.gi.jpg caption="A gay marriage bill that's up for a crucial vote Thursday in New Jersey has the backing of 'the Boss.'"](CNN) - A gay marriage bill that's up for a crucial vote Thursday in New Jersey has the backing of "the Boss."
Rock legend Bruce Springsteen say he supports the legislation, which would legalize same sex marriages in the Garden State. On his Web site, the New Jersey born Springsteen says he's "always spoken out for the rights of same-sex couples," adding that he urges "those who support equal treatment for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters to let their voices be heard now."
The New Jersey state Senate is expected to vote on the bill Thursday. It passed through the state Senate's Judiciary Committee earlier this week by one vote. Democrats concede the measure may fall short of the 21 votes needed to pass the state Senate. The state Assembly hasn't considered the bill yet.
The timing is important since Republican Gov.-elect Chris Christie, who takes office next month, says he would veto the bill. The man Christie beat in last month's election, out-going Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine, says he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk before he leaves office.
Last week, New York's state Senate defeated a bill that would legalize same-sex marriages. The legislation had already passed the state Assembly. New York Gov. David Paterson said he would have immediately signed the bill if it had made it to his office.
Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont and Iowa are currently the only states that legally allow same-sex marriages. Earlier this year, lawmakers in Maine approved legalized gay marriages. But voters in Maine last month passed a referendum to overturn the new law. A vote last week by the District of Columbia's city council moved Washington, D.C. one step closer to legalizing same sex marriages.
Follow Paul Steinhauser on Twitter: @psteinhausercnn
I love the guy's music. Please, don't ruin it for me with politics.
Gays and straights have the same rights when it comes to marriage. A man can marry a woman. A woman can marry a man. The only question is whether one wants to.
Where do we stop? What about multiple spouses? What about brothers and/or cousins? The 'people that love each other/were meant to be together' approach would justify those marriages as well.
Why don't we just be real. No one asks the government to recognize that they love someone. Marriage, from the state perspective, isn't about love. It is about money (without children, almost entirely – except for visitation rights in the hospital). Tax status, transferring of assets, insurance, inheretance, etc. If you 'truly love each other', does having a certificate from the state have any relavence?
Men and women are different. Both are vitally important to our lives, species, and society.
I believe in the sanctity of traditional marriage. I say, marriage is sacred and must not be allowed to deterioriate.
1. No gay marriage.
2. All divorces should be cancelled and affected individuals must move back in with their original spouses. Marriage is for life, it's not a game.
3. All children will return to the homes of their biological mother and father, who will now be living together.
4. Women who conceive or bear children out of wedlock should have a scarlet letter 'A' tatooed on their foreheads.
After all, these are the traditional values we have inherited from our forefathers, are they not? Certainly, no one can deny this.
If you are divorced, you should not participate in this discussion. You obviously know nothing about true marriage.
Never much liked his music anyway.
Typical clueless Dem.
Does the public get a vote? If not, neither his endorsement nor my opposition mean much. I do like his music though! To those against me being against same sex marriage, save your hate mail! It will not change my mind!
Hear, hear Bruce!
Here's a happily married heterosexual man with three kids supporting gay marriage – and I'm guessing that if New Jersey allows same-sex couples to marry, his marriage won't be impacted one bit!
Good job Bruce.
Does it really matter what celebrities think.
Surely , Americans have a mind and know how to use it.
It is long overdue to change the political scene in your country.
Unbelievable how you allow career politician dimwits to run your life .
And when it matters what Bruce Springsteen thinks it will be after he's been elected to some political office. Until then, he can keep singing about the poor working class people from his mansion in New Jersey.
This is another reason why I can't stand your music anymore. You used to be great until you became political.
Keep the gay marriage ban in the Tri-State area.
Let though who hath not sinned cast the first stone.
HAHA...now what? Pseudo-militia weekend daycamps all over the south and midwest will stop playing "Born in the USA" while sitting around the campfire telling scary stories about those spooky "soshulists"? Seems to me the bible belt is one notch short of properly fitting America's waiste, but hey, what do I know...I'm just some silly fool who believes in the inviolate sanctity of equal protection, inalienable rights, yadda yadda yadda and the Constitution.
This is one democrat who does NOT believe in same sex marriage. I know many other dems who agree with me.
I don't think it matters that "The Boss" is backing the bill. Heck, I don't even know who he is but have heard of him.
If I were to bet, it wouldn't pass, not a chance. But I am surprised some states have already legalized the measure but don't think it will have an impact on the country overall. But really surprised that Iowa legalized it, that state is a badass state!
But overall, the country is not California. Stupid and confused, at least is good to know that states know what they're looking for. It should be into a constructive debate and be interdependent about it. All I'm saying is if they can make a good argument and make it plausible, then I'm all up for it but for now, is entirely impossible to socially exchange this sensitive issue.
Well we all knew the boss was the man! Thank you Bruce Springsteen!
There is no reason why any democrat should be voting against this bill. The gay and lesbian community has faithfully supported democratic officials and its their turn to repay the favor.
My gay marriage does not affect your straight marriage. That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard.