NJ gov. candidates on social issues

TRENTON, N.J. - October 30, 2009 (WPVI) -- New Jersey's civil union law is supposed to give gay couples the same rights and protections as heterosexuals, but some say it's not working.

Would the candidates for governor support gay marriage instead?

"I don't use the term gay marraige," said Gov. Jon Corzine. "I use "marriage equality" because I believe it's a constitutional issue of equal treatment under our constitution."

"I think marriage should be between one man and one woman," said Republican challenger Chris Christie. "I've always believed that, I continue to believe that. I believe in civil unions in New Jersey are an effective way to deal with this issue."

"It's an equal rights issue," said Independent Chris Daggett. "It's something that, in our society now, it's something that has come. I think it's time to acknowledge that's the way the world is going."

New Jersey lawmakers are also considering a bill that would legalize the use of marijuana for patients with debilitating medical conditions.

What do the candidates think about that?

"As long as it can be controlled, in the sense it's used for the intended purposes and you have good checks and balances in place, then I support the use of marijuana for medical purposes," said Daggett.

"I just want to make sure any bill we pass here in New Jersey would have appropriate restrictions on it so people who have a headache can't be going and getting high," said Christie.

"It's a way for an individual to address that pain as long as it's prescribed by a doctor and the constraints keep it from being used for any recreational purpose," said Corzine.

On the issue of abortion, Gov. Corzine and Chris Daggett support a woman's right to choose while Chris Christie opposes it, except in the case of rape, incest, or threat to the life of the mother.

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