Gay marriage becomes legal in N.J. after Christie drops opposition

By Ellen Wulfhorst

(Reuters) - New Jersey on Monday became the 14th U.S. state to legalize gay marriage after Governor Chris Christie withdrew its legal opposition to same-sex nuptials.

The state's highest court on Friday unanimously denied the Republican governor's request to put gay marriage on hold while the state's appeal was to be heard in January.

The governor asked acting Attorney General John Hoffman to withdraw the state's appeal on Monday, Christie's office said in a statement.

"Although the governor strongly disagrees with the court substituting its judgment for the constitutional process of the elected branches or a vote of the people, the court has now spoken clearly as to their view of the New Jersey Constitution, and, therefore, same-sex marriage is the law," the statement said.

New Jersey municipalities began accepting applications for marriage licenses for same-sex couples on Friday, moments after the court denied Christie's request for a freeze, and mayors around the state began officiating at gay weddings at 12:01 a.m. EDT (0401 GMT) on Monday.

Under state law, those seeking to marry in New Jersey have to wait at least 72 hours after applying for a license.

The waiting period does not apply to couples who have been legally wed in the 13 states, plus the District of Columbia, that already recognize same-sex marriage.

Among the officials performing the early-morning ceremonies were Newark Mayor Cory Booker, a Democrat due to leave office this month after his election to the U.S. Senate last week, and mayors in Lambertville, Red Bank and Jersey City.

In Newark, Booker said his tenure was ending on a high note.

"Tonight we have crossed a barrier," Booker told the newlyweds and their families and friends. "While you all have fallen into love, the truth is the state of New Jersey has risen to love."

(Additional reporting by Victoria Cavaliere; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)

Politics & GovernmentFamily & Relationshipsgay marriageChris Christie
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