The leader of the New Jersey Assembly's GOP caucus says the 32 Republicans in the lower house can vote however they want to on gay marriage.
Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick of Westfield says there won't be any arm-twisting before the bill comes up for a vote Thursday afternoon. He says most Republicans believe -- as Gov. Chris Christie does -- that the question of legalizing same-sex marriage should be put to popular vote.
Christie, a Republican who opposes gay marriage, has promised “very swift action” if the bill reaches his desk.
There are more than enough Democrats in the Assembly to pass the bill, even if no Republicans vote for it.
The state Senate approved the measure Monday. There, two Republicans voted for it and two Democrats voted against it.
The Assembly session is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. Thursday.
