NJ State Senator Proposes Constitutional Amendment To Allow Gay Marriage

By David Madden

TRENTON, NJ (CBS) - A New Jersey state senator is proposing a constitutional amendment that would allow for gay marriage in the Garden State.

Talk up to now has centered on a voter referendum, subject to legislative implementation. Somerville Republican State Senator Kip Bateman's plan would take the legislature out of the equation and his approach would be different than those taken in most states where votes have sought to ban gay marriage. His plan: ask voters to legalize it.

"I want to have an affirmative question. If you believe in it, then you vote yes. If you don't and you believe…no."

Many proponents of the change, however, consider marriage a civil right that should not be subject to the whim of a popular vote.

"Are they really interested in the issue or the process? If they're really interested in seeing marriage equality in New Jersey, then they should put it on the ballot and let the voters decide."

After all, Governor Chris Christie has vowed to veto any gay marriage bill that reaches his desk. A bill sponsored by Democratic legislative leaders is up for a vote next week. While the votes appear to be there for approval in the senate, its fate in the assembly is not so certain.