New Hampshire Governor signs marriage equality into law
Posted by Jonah on June 3, 2009 at 06:34 PM
Earlier this afternoon Governor Lynch (D) signed a bill into law giving equal rights to residents of New Hampshire. The bill passed both the state house and senate before reaching the Governor's desk this afternoon. Prior to signing the bill into the law Governor Lynch delivered remarks on why he supported this bill;
"Today, we are standing up for the liberties of same-sex couples by making clear that they will receive the same rights, responsibilities - and respect - under New Hampshire law.
"Today, we are also standing up for religious liberties. This legislation makes clear that we understand that certain faiths do not recognize same-sex marriage, and it protects them from having to participate in marriage-related activities that violate their fundamental religious principles.
"With the signing of this legislation today, New Hampshire will have taken every action possible to ensure that all families have equal rights to the extent that is possible under state law.
"Unfortunately, the federal government does not extend the same rights and protections that New Hampshire provides same-sex families, and that should change.
Rep. Hodes commented;
"I am pleased with the result reached by our legislature and Governor. This legislation will ensure that all Granite Staters have equal rights under the law. It gives legal protection to religious institutions and organizations. And the law is consistent with the spirit of New Hampshire expressed in our state motto 'Live Free or Die.' At times the legislative process on this bill appeared difficult, but the outcome it produced was the right one for equality and justice for New Hampshire residents. I will continue to work in Washington for those same principles."
h/t to Blue Hampshire, one of the 2008 Democratic National Convention credentialed blogs, for their coverage and the quotes above.
Comments (6) «
The geographic trend on this is interesting...mostly Northeastern...and Iowa...and then California.
You get the feeling that if it wasn't for the grip on state legislatures by old Reagan conservatives that this movement would go national fast. Someone the other day on this forum said we would have to wait for that generation to die off. I certainly hope that is not the argument which will be put forward to stop what's clearly an injustice.
The Constitution was not written with the legal premise that one group should be discriminated against. The Bill of Rights affirms that spirit and the Federal Papers argues the case conclusively.
The geographic trend on this is interesting...mostly Northeastern...and Iowa...and then California.
You get the feeling that if it wasn't for the grip on state legislatures by old Reagan conservatives that this movement would go national fast. Someone the other day on this forum said we would have to wait for that generation to die off. I certainly hope that is not the argument which will be put forward to stop what's clearly an injustice.
The Constitution was not written with the legal premise that one group should be discriminated against. The Bill of Rights affirms that spirit and the Federal Papers argues the case conclusively.
Congratulaons to the GLBT community on their victory. This is yet another step toward equality.
And for those GLBT members in moderate and conservative states, civil unions should be considered. While it is the old seperate but equal arguement, it is certainly better than what you have now and much more politically viable. Do what you can where you can. God bless and good luck.
I totally agree with bobvademocrathawk. Lets start slow with equal benefits puncuated by Legitimate civil unions. Face it!! The old guard Reaganites will be less mobilized if we take our time with this, and don't try to storm the castle gates too quickly. It's Reaganism at it's best. Concede just enough to make the other side think they're winning
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