Judge rules that New Jersey must allow gay couples to marry

Judge Mary Jacobson said that because the US federal government now recognises same-sex marriage, the state government in New Jersey would violate its constitution by not doing so.

Gay couples may start marrying as of October 21st.

Governor Chris Christie is opposed to equal marriage, and last year vetoed a bill which had passed. His administration is expected to appeal.

In the ruling on Friday, Judge Jacobson accepted the position of lawyers from gay rights groups that the state is effectively blocking the federal benefits of New Jersey citizens by not allowing same-sex marriage.