N.J. gay marriage foes gather signatures
February 13, 2007

Same-sex marriage opponents launched a petition drive Monday in hopes of persuading lawmakers to amend the state constitution to include a definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

The drive comes a week before New Jersey begins to allow gay couples to legally unite in civil unions.

Legislative leaders have refused to allow lawmakers to vote on a proposal to amend the state constitution to include the traditional definition of marriage. Unlike other states where citizens can gather petitions and get a measure on the ballot, New Jersey has no referendum provision.

John Tomicki, president of the New Jersey Coalition to Preserve and Protect Marriage, said his group will try to get at least 20,000 signatures, hoping to persuade legislative leaders to allow a vote on the proposal.

''Let's have the people decide this issue, once and for all,'' said Assemblyman Michael Doherty, a Republican. the rest