The final vote was 20-14 during a lame duck session. Current governor Jon Corzine (D), whose term ends later this month, had promised to sign the bill into law if it passed. The New Jersey Assembly did not take up the issue, citing a lack of momentum and instead looking to follow the Senate's lead. Since incoming governor Chris Christie (R) has promised to veto any such bill, this likely means another legislative effort won't take place in the near future.

Christie's victory in the gubernatorial election is being read as some as a signal that New Jersey voters do not support gay marriage in their state. The lame duck session is covering a lot of issues that seem to be losing momentum between fiscal concerns, disagreements among Democratic legislators, and the upcoming change of power. The vote was generally expected to come out against the bill if a vote was even held. Both chambers have been reluctant to hold a vote.

With the path to a legislative victory blocked for the near term, Lambda Legal will try the judiciary next.