Judge Orders NJ to Allow Gay Marriage

A New Jersey judge has declared that the state must allow same-sex couples to marry. But don't expect any weddings immediately: The state has until Oct. 21 to file an appeal, and Gov. Chris Christie's administration is expected to do just that, reports NBC News. In her ruling, Judge Mary Jacobson says now that the federal government recognizes gay marriages, not doing so in New Jersey would violate the state constitution. In another dose of good news for gay-rights advocates, Exxon said it would offer benefits to married same-sex couples for the first time, reports AP. (More New Jersey stories.)