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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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5

Gay Marriage Bill Stalls in NH

Negotiations expected as it goes back to committee

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(Newser) – New Hampshire’s same-sex marriage bill is back in limbo, WMUR reports. In a surprise move, the state House rejected the measure because of an amendment proposed by the governor to protect clergy whose beliefs preclude them from marrying gays. The measure isn't dead, however. The House voted to try to negotiate a compromise with the Senate, which already passed the legislation. It would make New Hampshire the sixth state to legalize gay marriage.

“I don’t know why this thing is in such a rush and why it hasn’t had more attention put to it,” says a Republican representative who opposes both the amendment and the original bill.

State senators passed the governor's amendment today, but the House has rejected it.
State senators passed the governor's amendment today, but the House has rejected it.   (AP Photo/Jim Cole)
New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch said he would only sign the bill if the amendment he proposed is included.
New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch said he would only sign the bill if the amendment he proposed is included.   (AP Photo/Cheryl Senter)
New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch, left, at the State House. The House has rejected an amendment he proposed to the same-sex marriage bill.
New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch, left, at the State House. The House has rejected an amendment he proposed to the same-sex marriage bill.   (AP Photo/Cheryl Senter)
The House will now try to find a compromise with the Senate that will let the state legislation through.
The House will now try to find a compromise with the Senate that will let the state legislation through.   (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)
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kansas1946
May 20, 09 6:01 PM CDT
“I don’t know why this thing is in such a rush and why it hasn’t had more attention put to it,” says a Republican representative who opposes both the amendment and the original bill. ****************************************************************** Gosh, a Republican opposes gay marriage??? What a shock. Reply
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+3
freethemall
May 20, 09 6:24 PM CDT
The idea that clergy would need to be protected against being forced to marry gay couples, is an absurd red herring. On the other hand, absurd red herring though it certainly is, why not just humor the bigots and include the unneeded protection in order to get a bill signed into law? Reply
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+6
IN RESPONSE:
SBS
May 20, 09 9:42 PM CDT
I agree.
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+1
lindsrae
May 20, 09 7:48 PM CDT
So we're more concerned about a clergyman's rights than we are about gays & lesbians? The clergy don't need laws to protect them. If they don't want to marry a homosexual couple, they have the CHOICE TO SAY NO ALREADY. This is ridiculous, but it will pass eventually (fingers crossed). Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
kokuaguy
May 20, 09 10:22 PM CDT
There's a good discussion about this on the Newser page that reported the Governor's original announcement of his intention to veto without this "protection" for clergy.
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