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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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11

NH Legalizes Gay Marriage

Gov. Lynch expected to sign it today

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(Newser) – New Hampshire became the sixth state to allow same-sex marriage when Gov. John Lynch signed legislation this afternoon shortly after it was approved by lawmakers, the AP reports. Legislators hammered out a new version clearly spelling out that churches and religious groups would not be forced to officiate at gay marriages or provide other services after Lynch threatened a veto.

The Senate passed the measure today, and the House of Representatives—where the outcome was more in doubt—followed later in the day. The House gallery erupted in cheers after the 198-176 vote. New Hampshire's law takes effect Jan. 1. Lynch, a Democrat, personally opposes gay marriage but decided to view the issue "through a broader lens."

Lynch is expected to sign the revised gay marriage bill later today.
Lynch is expected to sign the revised gay marriage bill later today.   (AP Photo)
The House of Representatives had earlier rejected wording the governor had proposed to protect religious groups. Today, it passed a compromise that the governor is expected to sign.
The House of Representatives had earlier rejected wording the governor had proposed to protect religious groups. Today, it passed a compromise that the governor is expected to sign.   (AP Photo/Jim Cole)
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If you have no choice as to your sexual orientation, then you have to be protected and given the same opportunity for life, liberty, and happiness.
- Anthony DiFruscia, Republican representative

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11 comments
VIEWING:
 
lo9an
Jun 3, 09 4:51 PM CDT
It's only a matter of time! Conservatives and the GOP need to stop taking away people's rights, and stay out of private lives, something they claim to be about. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+5
IN RESPONSE:
godawgs
Jun 3, 09 5:35 PM CDT
What they should do is put it to a public vote. Every time that gay marriage has been put on a ballot it doesn't pass. the only way it gets legalized is through legislation that is not voted on by the public.
Vote up! Vote down!
-3
IN RESPONSE:
shonangreg
Jun 3, 09 5:56 PM CDT
Yeah, voting on what rights minorities have -- that's the American way ;-)
Vote up! Vote down!
+6
northeast
Jun 3, 09 5:00 PM CDT
Personally, I had assumed that NH would have been right after Massachusetts...but better late than never. Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+3
MarkFL
Jun 3, 09 6:13 PM CDT
godawgs, have you ever visited America? It's a nice place to live. We have houses and parks and a Constitution that tells us that we are free to do whatever we want as long as we don't stop others from being free in the process. You should come live in America. It is so uncomfortable in the Swat Valley this time of year... I agree with you in one sense. If we wanted to vote on minority rights only those minorities should get to vote. Can you name a gay person opposed to gay marriage? It seems that only sharia law conservatives such as godawgs oppose it and their only reason is that they are afraid of gayness. Good job New Hampshire. Next stop, supreme court. Let freedom ring! Reply
Vote up! Vote down!
+5

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