(RNS1-NOV2) Roughly 20 religious and civic groups that oppose gay marriage and want to block it from passing in the N.J. state legislature gathered last month (Oct.) in front of the Statehouse in Trenton for a rally. For use with RNS-NJ-MARRIAGE, transmitted Nov. 2, 2009. Religion News Service photo by JENNIFER BROWN/THE STAR-LEDGER. | Download/Purchase this photo
(RNS2-NOV2) A nun prays along with members of roughly 20 religious and civic groups groups that oppose gay marriage and want to block it from passing in the New Jersey state legislature. The rally took place at the Statehouse in Trenton last month (Oct.). For use with RNS-NJ-MARRIAGE, transmitted Nov.2, 2009. Religion News Service photo by JENNIFER BROWN/THE STAR-LEDGER. | Download/Purchase this photo
November 2, 2009
NEWS STORY
Religious views shape marriage debate in N.J.
By Mary Fuchs and Rohan Mascarenhas
RNS-NJ-MARRIAGE
NEWARK (RNS) In the national fight over legalizing gay marriage, New Jersey is a battleground state. It's the last state standing with a civil union law that has not explicitly prohibited or allowed gay marriage. "I think, by and large, its religious beliefs that come into play here," said professor Joe Marbach, who teaches political science at Seton Hall University. By Mary Fuchs and Rohan Mascarenhas. About 760. With photos.