A New Jersey lawmaker has introduced a bill that would allow voters to decide whether same-sex couples can legally marry.

Assemblyman Reed Gusciora has been opposed to putting a civil rights issue like marriage equality on the ballot, but he now says the timing is right because public acceptance of gay marriage is increasing.

 “Civil rights delayed is civil rights denied so this is our only option at this point.”

Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg has been one of the biggest proponents of legislative action on gay marriage. She opposes having a voter referendum on the issue.

 “I do not believe civil rights or the rights or any minority population should be subjected to the will of the majority.”

Governor Christie vetoed the marriage equality bill earlier this year. Weinberg says she expects lawmakers will make an override attempt before the January 2014 end of the current legislative session.

The governor has said he would sign legislation that would allow voters to decide the same sex marriage issue.