It was only a few short years ago when Vermont adopted civil unions. There was supposed to be a huge backlash against the people who voted for it but it didn't happen. In NH, like VT there are some lawmakers trying to confuse the people:The Senate passed the bill 14-10 on straight party lines, Democrats in favor, Republicans against.
"I'm kind of am speechless," said Democratic state Rep. Bette Lasky, who shepherded civil unions through the House. "I'm delighted this is the result and I'm proud of both the House and Senate for upholding New Hampshire's tradition of advancing minority rights."
The bill goes to Gov. John Lynch, who announced last week he will sign it.
"This legislation is a matter of conscience, fairness and of preventing discrimination," said Lynch spokesman Colin Manning.
"Let's just call it what it really is, no sugarcoating," said Republican Sen. Robert Letourneau, of Derry. "This creates same-sex marriage. There is no right to marriage in either the New Hampshire Constitution or the federal Constitution."
"We don't let blind people drive or felons vote, all for good and obvious reasons," he said.
Good and obvious reasons? The NH legislature voted to give the people civil unions, not civil marriage! By the way Senator, blind people can hunt in over 14 states.
Don't you think Senator Letourneau should list exactly what those good and obvious reasons are?
2 comments:
This is awesome! NH is supposed to be a red state! Ray Buckley, the new NH Democratic Party leader made this happen. He is gay as well.
Also, when Vermont adopted civil unions, there WAS a big backlash and 18 of the legislators that voted for the civil unions were kicked out of office. It sucked big time. But gay political forces were able to help win back almost all of those seats in the next election.
Thank you Massachusetts. By protecting marriage equality you have held the door open for New England (and New Jersey) to follow. It's not marriage, but it's progress. There's a great light shining upon our little corner of the Nation. Let's hope it keeps spreading.
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