Same Sex Marriage in the Balance in NJ
According to CNN News, a political battle is beginning to form as to whether gay and lesbian couples will be allowed the right to wed. If the move is approved, New Jersey will be the seventh state in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage. The issue has been debated and fought over between the Democratic-controlled state legislature and Republican Gov. Chris Christie. Christie, once thought of as a potential presidential contender, said he supports civil unions but is opposed to same-sex marriage. He explained, "The institution of marriage is too serious to be treated like a political football." Christie argued that redefining hundreds of years of societal and religious traditions should not be decided by "121 people in the statehouse in Trenton." Instead, Christie has called for a referendum that would put the decision into the hands of the residents of New Jersey, where recent polling shows that "those in favor of legalizing hold a slight majority." Democratic opponents oppose the referendum, however, arguing that civil rights issues should not be decided by it, pointing to historic legislative and judicial decisions "regarding the rights of African-Americans and women."
American Hikers Return Home from Iran
IRAN – On Sunday, two American hikers who were held captive in Iran returned home, according to CNN.com. Josh Fattal and Shane Bauer were held in an Iranian prison for two years as accused spies for the United States. Fattal and Bauer said that they accidentally crossed over the Iranian border while visiting a tourist site in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq. Both were given eight-year prison sentences that they appealed while serving time. A third American, Sarah Shroud, was also taken with Fattal and Bauer, but was released one year ago due to a medical issue. Fattal and Bauer were released Wednesday, Sept. 21 and then flown to Muscat, the capital of Oman, where they were able to enjoy their newfound freedom. Their release comes one day before Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's speech before the United Nations. CNN.com reported that the bail for each man was set at $500,000, totaling $1 million, and was paid by the Omani government.
