Gay marriage debate intensifies as conservatives get organized

Associated Press - December 15, 2007 12:15 PM ET

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. (AP) - The battle over gay marriage in New Jersey has a new player.

The National Organization for Marriage, a group opposed to gay marriage, was established earlier this year in Princeton. Lately it has made its presence known with radio advertisements urging people to call their lawmakers.

The group set up in New Jersey because it is 1 of a few states where there's a realistic chance in the next few years that lawmakers will vote to allow gay marriage.

New Jersey currently recognizes civil unions.

Governor Jon Corzine has said he would sign a gay marriage bill into law, but that he did not want to deal with the issue before the 2008 presidential election.

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