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Loading ...NH gov mum on marriage bill
04.30.2009 1:40pm EDT
(Concord, New Hampshire) New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch remains silent on whether he will sign or veto a bill legalizing same-sex marriage.
Lynch has said he believes the current civil union law works fine, but is avoiding questions on what he will do when the marriage bill hits his desk.On Wednesday, the state Senate passed the marriage equality bill on a 13-11 vote. It passed the House last month 186-179.
“I recognize that the issue of same-sex marriage is intensely passionate and personal, and raises strong emotions on all sides,” the Democratic governor said in a statement following the Senate vote.
“I still believe the fundamental issue is about providing the same rights and protections to same-sex couples as are available to heterosexual couples. This was accomplished through the passage of the civil unions law two years ago. To achieve further real progress, the federal government would need to take action to recognize New Hampshire civil unions.”
There are slight differences between the two pieces of legislation which need to be harmonized before going to Lynch.
Just prior to the vote Wednesday, the University of New Hampshire Survey Center released a statewide poll that found 55 percent of New Hampshire residents support gay and lesbian couples’ right to marry, while 39 percent oppose it.
In Vermont, the state legislature overrode the veto of a similar marriage bill by Gov. Jim Douglas. A marriage equality bill is currently being voted on in the Maine legislature. It passed the state Senate today.
In addition to Vermont, same-sex marriage also is legal in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Iowa.
New York Gov David Paterson (D) has unveiled legislation to allow same-sex couples to marry in the Empire State. In California, where voters overturned a state Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage, the high court will rule later this spring on the legality of Prop 8.
A minor correction is needed in your story here — gay marriage is not legal in Ohio. I believe you’re thinking of Iowa. Thanks.
Gee…when did Ohio pass Marriage Equality?!?
Don’t you people proofread? Same-sex marriage is not legal in Ohio. You undoubtedly meant Iowa.
“In addition to Vermont, same-sex marriage also is legal in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Ohio.”
“Ohio?” as in Iowa? Who is proofreading this article?
I wish gay marriage is legal in Ohio, but unfortinatly it is not.
Pretty sad when we count count on a Democratic governor to help us out. If he vetoes this, there will certainly be a major backlash in Maine’s GLBT community.
Does anyone know if the gov. has the option of just letting it become law without his signature if it reaches him?
Thanks for the catch! I had just gotten email from someone in Ohio – must have been on my mind!
I still believe the fundamental issue is about providing the same rights and protections to same-sex couples as are available to heterosexual couples. This was accomplished through the passage of the civil unions law two years ago.
No, Governor Lynch, civil unions are not equal. They are to borrow a famous phrase “inherently unequal.” If anyone disagrees with this, I would suggest they give up their marriage for a civil union.
“To achieve further real progress, the federal government would need to take action to recognize New Hampshire civil unions.”
At least this part makes sense. Although, I would replace “civil unions” with “marriage.”
If the Governor vetoes this bill, passed democratically by both houses, and supported by the majority of citizens, that will give gays and lesbians the upper hand when it comes to the issue of “one man overriding the will of the people”. Either way, we win. Either we get same-sex marriage, or the anti-marriage side loses the “will of the people” argument, which will seriously damage their case in the future.
It’s bad enough when a Republican leader makes these kinds of remarks…. but he’s a Democrat.. Just shameful…
But he’s also a politician, and if 55% of the NH populace supports it… we may be pleasantly surprised.
Yes, Phil in CO,
In New Hampshire, the Gov. has the option of signing a bill into law, vetoing the bill, or he can simply do nothing and allow the bill to become law without his signature after 5 days (not including holidays or Sundays). However, if the Legistlature adjurns before the 5 day waiting period, then the bill also dies. This is the “pocket veto”.
The present NH Gov. Lynch has allowed 2 bills thusfar to become law. He did not support them, but did not feel strongly enough to veto them. It’s kind of a way to avoid responsibility for a law without criticism for vetoing it.
I am guessing he will do just that.
Gov. Lynch is obviously conflicted. It would be better for him politically to sign this bill or just do nothing and let time lapse for it to become law since the polls show support for marriage equality. This is very intriguing and we may well see New Hampshire as the 5th state to legalize same-sex marriage.
Oh, great! Yet ANOTHER story on gay marriage! Are we, as gays and lesbians, incapable of having concerns about any other issue in our lives? How about Swine Flu? Or the recession? Or job losses? Or foreclosures and the subsequent loss of our homes? Or the war in Iraq? Or Afghanistan? Rep. Virginia Foxx? Or the rip-off by the gay travel industry on gay and lesbian travelers? Are we incapable of having ANY other thoughts other than GAY MARRIAGE? Please give us some credit for having the ability to think about – and even comprehend – other stories!