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Gay Marriage Bill Stalls in NH

Negotiations expected as it goes back to committee

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted May 20, 2009 3:44 PM CDT
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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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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
kokuaguy
May 21, 2009 3:22 AM 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.
SBS
May 21, 2009 2:42 AM CDT
I agree.
freethemall
May 20, 2009 11:24 AM 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?

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gay marriage • New Hampshire • John Lynch • bill

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