NH Gov Wants Tweaks to Gay Marriage Bill

Protection needed for religious opponents before he'll sign

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted May 14, 2009 3:12 PM CDT

(Newser) – The fate of New Hampshire’s same-sex marriage bill hinges upon giving protection to religious groups opposing the law, the Union Leader reports. Gov. John Lynch says he’ll sign the law if legislators include his suggested changes to clearly state that religious groups can’t be forced to violate their principles and perform the marriages. If that’s not incorporated, Lynch says he will veto the measure.

“At its core, the bill simply changes the term ‘civil union’ to ‘civil marriage,’” the Democrat said in a statement. “I understand the very real feelings of same-sex couples that a separate system is not an equal system. That a civil law that differentiates between their committed relationships and those of heterosexual couples undermines both their dignity and the legitimacy of their families.”

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Lynch says he will sign a bill to make his state the sixth to legalize gay marriage, but only if legislators make some changes. (AP Photo)

New Hampshire legislators discuss the same-sex marriage bill. The governor says he will sign the bill if lawmakers make changes to protect religious groups who oppose gay marriage. (AP Photo)

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New Hampshire's great tradition has always been to come down on the side of individual liberties and protections. That is what I believe we must do today.
- Gov. John Lynch

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 8 comments

Derni

May 15, 2009 12:26 PM CDT

So the Gov wants to have both sides like him so he can win the election next time-so much for taking a stand and moving the bar up

kokuaguy

May 15, 2009 12:16 PM CDT

Sorry ZERO, you score a goose egg for that answer. The First Amendment was intended to prevent the government from getting involved in that sort of church business. The NH governor is throwing a bone to the conservatives that the legislature should have been smart enough to think of in the first place. Lawsuits by couples trying to force churches to recognize their marriages would be thrown out by the courts, so it makes sense to prevent such complaints from ever being filed.

godawgs

May 15, 2009 9:29 AM CDT

This happened in New Mexico where a photographer was forced to take pictures of lesbian commitment ceremony If it is belief that goes against the fundamentals of the church then the church shouldn't be forced to marry the couple or be forced to have them used their facilities, i think that it is smart to get this in the law now.

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Union Leader (NH) (Source Grid »)

Bill already offers some protections
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This is gov's first big test
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gay rights • gay marriage • New Hampshire • veto • John Lynch • governor • civil marriage

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NH Gov Wants Tweaks to Gay Marriage Bill