NJ Gov. Chris Christie Opens Up On Gay Marriage

Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has come under fire for his views on marriage equality but on Tuesday he opened up about the issue, Politico reports.

During a debate at Montclair State University in Montclair, N.J., Christie said if one of his four children came out as gay he said he would "grab them and hug them and tell them I love them." He added he'd also say, "that dad believes that marriage is between one man and one woman."

Christie was in a debate against Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono, who has an openly gay daughter. Buono, however, declined to respond to Christie's comments.

"My children understand that there are going to be differences of opinion in our house and in houses all across this state and across this country," Christie added.

Christie has been adamant about wanting the gay marriage issue to go to the 2014 ballot, allowing New Jersey voters to decide whether same-sex couples can tie the knot. But a judge recently ruled that the state's ban on marriage equality is unconstitutional and that marriage licenses can be issued to same-sex couples starting Oct. 21. Christie's administration, however, unsurprisingly filed an appeal. Last week a New Jersey Superior Court judge denied Christie's administration request to delay gay marriage.

At the debate, Christie sid he would respect voters if they approved gay marriage, but the decision does not belong to the courts or the legislature.