Just after midnight, same-sex marriage became legal in the state of New Jersey. Last week, the New Jersey Supreme Court declined to halt an order from a lower court to begin acknowledging same-sex marriages. This led to cities such as Asbury Park, Jersey City, Red Bank and Newark opening their city halls early this morning for ceremonies.
Senator-elect Cory Booker married seven gay couples just after midnight in Newark. "It is officially past midnight, marriage is now equal in New Jersey," Booker said to rounds of applause.
Last month, a lower court judge ruled that the state must recognize gay marriage beginning Oct. 21. Gov. Chris Christie appealed this, but the court refused to delay the ruling. New Jersey is now the 14th state to legalize same-sex marriage.
[via NBC New York]