Christie Drops Fight Against Gay Marriage

On the same day New Jersey officials began marrying same-sex couples, Gov. Chris Christie dropped his appeal of a court ruling to allow gay marriage in the state.

"Although the governor strongly disagrees with the court substituting its judgment for the constitutional process of the elected branches or a vote of the people, the court has now spoken clearly as to their view of the New Jersey Constitution," the Christie administration said, according to the Wall Street Journal. "Therefore, same-sex marriage is the law."

Christie told Acting Attorney General John Hoffman to withdraw the state's appeal Monday, according to the Wall Street Journal. The single-page letter to New Jersey's highest appellate court provided no reasoning for Christie's decision.

Officials across the state presided over New Jersey’s first same-sex marriages as the clocks struck midnight early Monday.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker was among those officiating same-sex marriages.

"Tonight we have crossed a barrier," Booker told newlyweds and gathered loved ones. "While you all have fallen into love, the truth is the state of New Jersey has risen to love."