Gay marriage in California: Is New Jersey next?

The marriages and the protests began this week in California.

Hundreds of gay couples lined up at county clerk offices to apply for marriage licenses, as protesters gathered outside to oppose the state's legalization of same-sex marriage.

The California Supreme Court ruled in favor of gay marriage last month, triggering a rush on marriage licenses from both in- and out-of-state couples.

But the celebration may be short lived. Opponents of gay marriage are mobilizing to put a question on California's November ballot to ask voters to ban same-sex unions.

New Jersey bloggers have been keeping a close eye on the legal drama on the West Coast. Gay rights advocates are hoping the California ruling will encourage New Jersey lawmakers to throw out the state's civil union law in favor of a same-sex marriage law.

Meanwhile, gay marriage opponents are hoping Californians will vote down gay unions, proving once and for all that the majority of Americans aren't ready for same-sex marriages.

Gay marriage in California: Is New Jersey next?
The Star-Ledger - NJ.com, NJ