President Barack Obama may have made history by becoming the first U.S. president to back gay marriage Wednesday, but the subject has gotten a mixed reaction when Patch has checked in with local community leaders in the past.

Chester Township Mayor William Cogger told Patch in February—just after Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a same-sex marriage bill—that he's a proponent of civil unions as the “primary vehicle” for same sex couples, but he says they should have the same rights as married couples.

Cogger, along with his counterparts in Mendham Township and Chester Borough, is often called upon to officiate ceremonies. All said at the time they'd adapt to whatever disposition the law mandated.

But Chester Borough Mayor Robert Davis said he declines to conduct marriages altogether, saying he sees that as a religious function, and not his place.

Among church leaders, some have told Patch in the past that they're fine with the idea of same-sex marriage. Columnist Marilyn Schiavi spoke to local clergy for Long Valley Patch in July of 2011.

The Rev. Margaret Otterburn, rector of Church of the Messiah in Chester, was the only clergy member to respond to requests for comment at the time. But she said she would perform a marriage ceremony for a gay couple as long as the couple was were willing to do the same preparation she requires of all couples, and as long as same sex marriage was considered legal in the state.

What do you think? Take our poll on same-sex marriage, and tell us why you think it should or shouldn't be legal in the comments below.