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New Jersey has its first gay weddings New Jersey has its first gay weddings
(about 3 hours later)
Gay couples in New Jersey have been exchanging vows on the day the US state became the 14th in the nation to recognise same-sex marriages.Gay couples in New Jersey have been exchanging vows on the day the US state became the 14th in the nation to recognise same-sex marriages.
Last month, a judge ruled that the state must recognise gay nuptials from Monday. Republican Governor Chris Christie, a potential 2016 White House candidate and opponent of gay unions, has now dropped an appeal against the ruling.
Republican Governor Chris Christie, a potential 2016 White House candidate, attempted to delay that coming into effect, pending an appeal. His office was challenging last month's ruling by a judge that the state must recognise gay nuptials from Monday.
But his administration's request was denied by the state's Supreme Court. Same-sex marriages are now legal in 14 states and the District of Columbia.
'Overwhelming'
A few minutes before midnight on Sunday, same-sex couples gathered in civic buildings across the state to wed.A few minutes before midnight on Sunday, same-sex couples gathered in civic buildings across the state to wed.
Newark Mayor Cory Booker, a Democrat who was elected last week to the US Senate, conducted some of the ceremonies at city hall.Newark Mayor Cory Booker, a Democrat who was elected last week to the US Senate, conducted some of the ceremonies at city hall.
A protester was removed after shouting: "This is unlawful in the eyes of God and Jesus Christ."A protester was removed after shouting: "This is unlawful in the eyes of God and Jesus Christ."
Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop conducted a joint ceremony for eight couples at the city council chambers.Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop conducted a joint ceremony for eight couples at the city council chambers.
"I never thought I'd see this in my lifetime," said Barbara Milton after she was married to Kay Osborn, in remarks carried by the Associated Press news agency."I never thought I'd see this in my lifetime," said Barbara Milton after she was married to Kay Osborn, in remarks carried by the Associated Press news agency.
"To have this moment of equality is overwhelming.""To have this moment of equality is overwhelming."
Married gay couples in New Jersey can now receive all the state and federal benefits of marriage.Married gay couples in New Jersey can now receive all the state and federal benefits of marriage.
But the legal battle is not quite over. The state's Supreme Court is due in January to hear an appeal by Gov Christie's office. Mr Christie dropped the appeal hours after the first weddings began on Monday.
Lawmakers in favour of gay marriage are also trying to overturn his veto of a 2012 bill that would have allowed gay weddings. "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," his spokesman, Michael Drewniak, said in a statement.
The Republican has said marriage is between a man and a woman, and argued that a popular vote should determine the issue. The Republican had previously said marriage is between a man and a woman, and argued that a popular vote should determine the issue.