Democratic legislature is under pressure to pass a bill authorizing same-sex marriage before Governor Jon Corzine's term ends in January.

Governor Corzine was unseated in the Nov. 3 election and incoming governor, Chris Christie, opposes gay marriage. Maggie Gallagher, president of the National Organization for Marriage states, "They're doing it in a lame duck, because it's as far away from an election as possible."

On Nov. 3, Washington voters approved a "domestic partnership" registry which gives same-sex  marriage the same rights as traditional marriage.

Five states now grant same-sex couples the same rights as traditional marriage:  Iowa, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Washington. In January, New Hampshire will join this group.