New Jersey lawmakers to vote on marriage bill

Activists remain optimistic about the prospects of marriage for same-sex couples in New Jersey in spite of the fact it appears unlikely a measure that will allow gays and lesbians to tie the knot in the Garden State will pass.

The state Senate is scheduled to vote on the measure later today in Trenton. The bill's sponsors successfully postponed a vote last month in order to garner additional support.

Today's vote comes less than a week after gays and lesbians began to legally marry in New Hampshire, roughly a month after the New York State Senate voted 36-24 against marriage and more than two months after Maine voters approved a referendum that overturned a law that had allowed same-sex couples to marry in the Pine Tree State. It appears likely marriage will not advance in New Jersey, but today's vote will almost certainly have implications for those within the national movement for LGBT rights as they contemplate a new strategy to advance relationship recognition around the country.