New Jersey gay-marriage vote set for Thursday

State senators are expected to vote on at least 73 bills today, and the Assembly has 76 on its agenda.

Lawmakers are making special provisions for the hundreds of people expected to visit the capital to lobby for and against gay marriage. While the Senate’s second-floor gallery can hold only 95 people, Senate Democrats announced overflow seating with closed-circuit television would be available in the Statehouse annex.

The New Jersey Network will televise proceedings and show video on its Web site.

The Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage Act essentially would convert the state’s civil unions into marriages, unless dissolved, while exempting churches and religious institutions from performing them.

Gov. Jon S. Corzine, who leaves office Jan. 19, has said he would sign the bill, while Gov.-elect Chris Christie has said he would veto it.

If the bill succeeds in the Senate, the Assembly would have a final vote Monday. Supporters have said they would take the matter to the courts if it fails.

(...) Other bills the Senate will consider today include allowing undocumented aliens to pay in-state tuition rates at New Jersey colleges if they meet certain criteria. Tuition parity also has been a controversial issue, with advocates saying it is unfair to penalize children with bills that can be double in-state rates, while others opposed said it unfairly rewards people in violation of federal immigration laws.