The New Jersey Senate has passed the marriage equality bill by a strong vote of 24-16, with two Republicans voting in favor of the legislation.
27 votes are needed to override a promised veto by Governor Chris Christie, however.
The AP reports: "Monday's vote contrasts with the only other gay-marriage vote taken in the Legislature. In January 2010, gay marriage supporters thought they had built a narrow majority in the Senate, but senators began to defect, and the measure was defeated 20-14. Since then, Senate President Stephen Sweeney, a Democrat from West Deptford, has changed his position. He says he regrets abstaining two years ago and has made gay marriage recognition a top priority."
The Assembly is expected to vote on the measure on Thursday.
Developing...