Will Be Sixth State To Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
At 2:15 this afternoon, New Hampshire Governor John Lynch announced that he will sign his state’s gay marriage bill, making New Hampshire the sixth state in the union to legalize same-sex marriage. However, he wants the Legislature to make additional changes, according to New Hampshire Public Radio. Those changes are not yet available, but we will publish them as soon as they are. The much-anticipated news comes eight days after both Houses of the General Court passed the legislation approving marriage equality. Most recently, the House passed the bill by a 178-167 margin.Last month, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 13 – 11.
Assuming the Legislature agrees, the bill will become effective January 1, 2010.
Earlier, the Governor had stated,
“I still believe the fundamental issue is about providing the same rights and protections to same-sex couples as are available to heterosexual couples. This was accomplished through the passage of the civil unions law two years ago. To achieve further real progress, the federal government would need to take action to recognize New Hampshire civil unions.”
Last month, a poll conducted by New Hampshire’s Freedom to Marry Coalition found that 55% of voters in that state favor gay marriage, with only 39% opposed. Mo Baxley, Executive Director of New Hampshire Freedom to Marry said that a majority of New Hampshire residents have been in favor of gay marriage since 2003.
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This is fantastic news! I do wish, however, that the LGBT press would use the terms "marriage equality" or "same sex" marriage. I know it takes up more headline space than "gay marriage", but framing the issue is important. We're not asking for a special kind of marriage. It's just marriage, like any other couple.
Sarah, I'm having a struggle with this. I try to include the terms "same-sex marriage" and "marriage equality" within all my posts on "gay marriage". But "gay marriage" is what people are searching for. It's a challenge, but I think we, as a culture, will transition to "marriage equality" and then, at some point, "marriage." Because that's all, and everything, it is.
Thanks!
I agree. I'm trying to interchange the term "marriage equality" with "gay marriage" and "same-sex marriage" where possible. Someday, it will all be just marriage.
This is another indication that the face of our country is changing. Not for better or worse.
I believe that the institution of marriage should be reserved for a man/woman relationship but it appears that more than a few governors don't believe the same thing. I accept it, move on, and realize that many are liberated by this legislation.
I feel that my home state of NJ may be the next to enact same same-sex legislation.
Even though I don't necessarily agree I applaud these governors for standing up for what they believe in. With any mass movement it's always the first few that have to make the toughest s because they are subject to the most criticism.
Ryan
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