NH Lawmakers Vote to Uphold Gay Marriage

But opponents vow to continue the fight
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 23, 2012 9:08 AM CDT
NH Lawmakers Vote to Uphold Gay Marriage
State Rep. Tammy Sommons, reacts after lawmakers rejected a bill that would have made New Hampshire the first to repeal a gay marriage law through legislation, March 21, 2012 in Concord, N.H.   (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

Gay marriage is still the law of the land in New Hampshire, after a move to repeal it failed last night. The bill failed 211-116, the New Hampshire Union Leader reports, with 119 Republicans and 92 Democrats voting against it. Only 115 Republicans and one Democrat voted aye. “These folks are just people just like you are, they want the same things,” one Manchester Republican argued. “This bill needs to be put down. Put this dog down like it deserves to be.”

Other Republicans disagreed. “Who is next in line? The animal lovers can't be too far behind,” said one. And despite the lopsided vote, they say the fight isn't over. The bill's primary sponsor says he'll try again if a Republican is elected governor—Democrat John Lynch had promised to veto the bill—and a PAC has sprung up to support gay marriage opponents. Then again, another PAC has formed to support Republicans who voted to protect it. (More New Hampshire stories.)

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