"The word marriage is society's universal civil and legal acknowledgment of a loving relationship," Sen. Loretta Weinberg, the bill's sponsor, said during the debate. "It's time for New Jersey to get on the right side of history and enact true marriage equality for every one of our residents."

In a tacit acknowledgment of how long the fight might continue, she added, "With enough votes, in the future, we can override the governor's veto."