Gov. Chris Christie (R-N.J.) says he will veto a same-sex marriage bill if it reaches his desk, but he supports putting the issue on the ballot.

Christie says he wants to see a constitutional amendment come up for a vote and encourages Republican lawmakers to support a ballot measure.

Democrats hold a majority in the Legislature. Christie says there would only be gridlock between himself, who opposes same-sex marriage, and the Legislature, which seems likely to vote for it.

The governor's comments come as a state Senate committee considers a bill to legalize gay marriage, and one day after Christie nominated an openly gay man to the state Supreme Court.

Christie, a Catholic, has previously said that he believes marriage is between one man and one woman, but he supports civil unions, which the state recognizes.

Democratic leaders in both the state Senate and Assembly say the issue belongs in the Legislature, not on the ballot. Christie has asked GOP leaders in the Legislature to write a ballot initiative and work to get it on the November ballot.