In 2009, here’s what Governor-elect Chris Christie told a gathering of New Jersey republicans (emphasis ours):

“If a same-sex marriage bill comes to the desk of Governor Christie, it will be returned to the legislature with a big red veto across it [applause] because, one, I believe that and I made it very clear to people during the entire campaign that that was my position and so there will be no surprise for the 1.2 million people who voted for me that that was and that is my position.

But also because if societal change like that is to occur, it has to be approved by the voters, by the people of this state, not by the senate, men and women in black robes, and certainly not by 120 people in the state legislature it should have to be done if it’s going to be done, it has to be done by the voters not by a group of elected or appointed people. And so the principle is not only mine that I hold personally but I think it’s a broader principle about how that type of significant historic societal change needs to be made.

And so we’ll continue to stand for those things and many others that I won’t continue to interrupt your dinner with, but those issues – making New Jersey more affordable, less taxes, less spending, and standing up for the values we believe in so strongly as a society and setting an example at the top for saying those things, even at times when they may be politically unpopular is what I think people expect of leaders. I don’t think we always expect to agree with our leaders, I happen to think if we do then we’re going to be sadly mistaken. I don’t even agree with myself all the time. I’ve changed my mind over the years about issues, and I’m sure you have too, so we need to look to our leaders to be steadfast about the things they truly believe in and to speak the truth to us, we speak the truth to each other, then there are no surprises and no deception. And if we honestly disagree we live in a democratic society, we can make that disagreement publicly, and then the majority rule which is the tradition of our country.”

Here is the video: