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NH Passes Gay Marriage Bill, Sends to Gov

He may let hot potato lie until it passes automatically Jan. 1

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted May 7, 2009 5:56 AM CDT
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(Newser) – A bill to legalize gay marriage in New Hampshire has landed on Gov. John Lynch's desk and is likely to stay there for a while, the Edge reports. Lynch—besieged by messages from pro- and anti-gay marriage groups—has signaled that he personally opposes the bill. Many expect him to simply let the bill gather dust until it becomes law without his signature on January 1.

The bill was sent to Lynch after New Hampshire's House—which first approved the bill in March—voted 178-167 in favor of revisions from the state Senate that removed wording saying only "ministers of the gospel" could perform marriage rites. If the bill becomes law, that would leave Rhode Island as the only New England state not allowing gay marriage.

State Sen. Margaret Hassan, D-Exeter, introduces an amendment to a gay marriage bill at the State house in Concord, NH, last month.
State Sen. Margaret Hassan, D-Exeter, introduces an amendment to a gay marriage bill at the State house in Concord, NH, last month.   (AP Photo/Jim Cole)
New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch has said he personally believes marriage should be between a man and a woman.
New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch has said he personally believes marriage should be between a man and a woman.   (Business Wire)
New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch works on the state budget in Concord earlier this year.
New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch works on the state budget in Concord earlier this year.   (AP Photo/Jim Cole)
People leave the State house in Concord, NH, Thursday, March 26, 2009. The House passed a bill allowing gays to marry two years after they granted them the right to enter into civil unions.
People leave the State house in Concord, NH, Thursday, March 26, 2009. The House passed a bill allowing gays to marry two years after they granted them the right to enter into civil unions.   (AP Photo/Jim Cole)
In this April 10, 2007 file photo, Bishop Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, the Episcopal church's first openly-gay bishop, speaks in favor of civil unions during a public hearing at the Statehouse in Concord, NH.
In this April 10, 2007 file photo, Bishop Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, the Episcopal church's first openly-gay bishop, speaks in favor of civil unions during a public hearing at the Statehouse in Concord,...   (AP Photo/Jim Cole, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
oldgoat
May 7, 2009 11:05 AM CDT
Kind of seems like the Gov isn't willing to make a stand on his position. Make your choice and explain your reasons and go on. If the citizens don't like it then they can decide how they want to vote.
wwwonderer
May 7, 2009 8:33 AM CDT
We are starting to see the tide turn. Being against gay marriage is like being against blacks and women voting. There is no excuse. I'm a heterosexual; I don't plan on marrying a man. But I in no way think allowing gays to marry threatens marriage at all, it certainly doesn't make me feel threatened at all. Those that say it is forbidden in the Bible need to decide on following Leviticus or not; there are TONS of things banned in there.

Lynch left with final say on NH gay marriage
Union Leader (NH)

US

 
gay marriage • New Hampshire • marriage • John Lynch • governor

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