McKeon: President's Support for Gay Marriage 'Historic Breakthrough'

Assemblyman John F. McKeon, who represents Madison and other Morris and Essex county towns in the General Assembly, issued a news release Wednesday saying is a "historic breakthrough in civil liberties."

McKeon, a sponsor of the Marriage Equality and Religious Exemption Act that was said he hopes Christie will be inspired to approve the legislation.

The statement in full:

"President Obama's declaration of support for same-sex marriage is a profile in courage and marks a historic breakthrough in our evolution as a nation of equal civil liberties for all citizens;

"We believe that his decision will help end the inequality, and move us closer to granting equal civil rights to countless American families;

"We commend the moral courage and extraordinary leadership demonstrated by President Obama in his decision to do the right thing;

"We hope it is his destiny to be the first U.S. president to sign a law granting marriage equality to same-sex couples and that his decision will inspire Gov. Christie to sign S1 A1, the Marriage Equality and Religious Exemption Act, of which I am a proud sponsor."