New Jersey's state Senate passed a bill Monday to recognize same-sex marriages, despite the promise of a veto by Gov. Chris Christie (R). The 24-16 vote was a major swing from January 2010, when the Senate rejected it 20-14. Twenty-two Democrats and two Republicans voted yes, while 14 Republicans and two Democrats voted no. "It is my opinion that our republic was established to guarantee liberty to all people," said state Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-Red Bank), who voted yes. "It is our role to protect all of the people who live in our state."
