The bill to strike down same-sex marriage in New Hampshire has failed in the state House by a vote of 211 to 116, reports the AP. It’s surprisingly that a Republican-controlled House with a veto-proof majority defeated it so strongly, but New Hampshire is a weird state.
Democratic Gov. John Lynch vowed to veto the measure, but now it seems he probably won’t even have to entertain the thought.
“Today’s victory affirmed the equality of New Hampshire’s gay and lesbian citizens,” said Lee Swislow, Executive Director of Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, New England’s most active LGBT advocacy group. “After the last election where Republicans gained control of both the House and the Senate, some thought that marriage equality was doomed. But many, many Republicans courageously stood up against repeal. We thank them and we congratulate Standing Up for New Hampshire Families and all the organizations and individuals who worked so hard to protect the freedom to marry.”
Marriage equality was signed into law in New Hampshire in 2009, and marriage began in the state on January 1, 2010. According to recent polls, over 60% of New Hampshire residents support marriage equality.
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rodca
Well, I guess if NH is a “weird” state maybe we all should look at what they are doing right so the 50 states will become “weird.” Congatulations New Hampshire!
Jim Hlavac
Every state is weird in its own way — I think more that “Live free or die” (the state motto) carried the day, rather that rabid religion. Not to mention the polls which showed upwards of 70% of the people there opposed this bill. Even Republicans can count. Not to mention the lingering fear of endless lawsuits from those gays married, and not, for the “window” created but threatened to close. Most legislators are lawyers, they can smell a rotten brief or a good case from a mile away. Not to mention it’s awfully hard to keep crying “end of the world, end of the world,” when no such thing was evident.
Republicans, like Democrats, are, of course, “evolving” on the issue. Some are glacial, some are sprinting rabbits. In the end, sometime, oh, 20 years hence, not a single American except the looney fringe will give a damn. As it should be.
GayGOP
Thank heavens! I am pleased to note that a large number of Granite State members of my party did the right thing.
J Stratford
Thanks to our Republican brothers and sisters for making your legislators make an enlightened vote.
– From an Independent and Sometime Democrat
Schlukitz
Hurray for New Hampshire
MJ
what. the. fuck. WHY CAN’T ALL REPUBLICANS BE LIKE THIS?!?!?!?? this makes me hate living in Virginia even more!
Shannon1981
Take note, Republicans! This is proof you don’t have to be a raging homophobe to be a member of the GOP. Now, can we please have the rest of the states follow this example? Congrats, NH! Special thanks to the members of the NH GOP who did the right thing.
Maggie Gallagher
GOD DAMN IT! I have been foiled again!
But I am not through with you nancyboys, oh no. No, no, no. Maggie will win in the end. Maggie ALWAYS wins in the end! HAHAHAHA!
Now where did I put my doughnuts? GET ME MY DONUTS! I NEED DONUTS!
el polacko
wow…i never realized that new hampshire was such a HUGE state ! ..and right in the middle of the country…who knew ? thanks for the map, queerty !
Charli Girl
The motto for Austin,Tx is ..”.Keep Austin Weird”
Hmmm wonder if my hometown can learn from this wonderful
state? I’ve spent a lot of time in N.H….sighhh
Wish I could move there now!!!!
Thank you New Hampshire for doing what’s right !!
1equalityUSA
It could be that the repub’s were advised to cut their losses, rather than lose again at the Supreme Court level. Each case won sets another precedence. I’d like to think that Repub’s could be just, but it sure doesn’t match their reputation. Whatever the motive, another win for equality helps the entire Nation become more inclusive. Until we are seen as full American citizens, our taxes should be prorated to reflect our second class status. New Hampshire, I hope your motives were guided by the notion of equality and not postponing the inevitable.
Phantom
Thank Fucking God, I’m glad that N.H. didn’t strike down the gay marriage. It’s nice to know that state are willing to protect gays instead of treating them like second class citizen.
Ricky
Many of the Republicans voted in are of a libertarian mindset and are fairly socially tolerant, but very fiscally conservative in New Hampshire. A huge thorn in the sides of homophobic conservatives!
codyj
waaay to go !!!!!! NH, Im a VT boi, we have same values…but Im living here in FLA..weathers GREAT…but thats it..this state is full of fundies,good ole, boys,evangelicals ,and more…this state had Geo Rekkers testify,against gays adopting..course thats old news, guess will figure a way to return north, CONGRADS NH