YOUR COMMENTS

This law not only worries me because of it's moral implications, it worries me when I look to the future. For now priests aren't required to marry homosexual couples... but for how long? It's only a matter of time before churches will be acused of "discriminating" against gays and lesbians for not marrying them. We need (as a culture) to stop "pretending" everyone is equal. The truth is (whether you belive it or not) that we are ALL different. Men are not women, women are not men; they never have been... they never will be... that is truth. It sadens me to see society thinking that they know better than nature. This entire movement is fueled by the selfishness of people for their own desires instead of the good of society. I'll be the first to admit I have selfishly desired things that hurt others... the differance is I reconize my mistakes, when will they see there's?
- Rob, Dover

There were gays in the Bible
- Alan Jeffers, Concord

In terms of people saying "well I believe in the traditional definition of marriage," guess what, the term was created by a person. Clearly at that time, also when mentioned in the bible, there were no gays or lesbians around or it was not "practiced" i guess you can say. However, as time progresses things change, those changes are called "AMMENDMENTS." I strongly agree with those of you who say to put the issue on balletts and vote for it. After that, whatever the outcome may be, the choice will have been made "by the people for the people.' That truly is the only CORRECT and FAIR way to deal with this enormous situation.
- Steve, Manchester

We have a massive budget crisis and this is what the NH Legislature is focused on? Personally, I could care less how one lives their life. Not my business.

I am a life long democrat and was estatic when the democrats gained the majority in Concord. But what I feared is becoming reality ~ pushing through legislation leaning toward 'social' issues too fast and too soon.

No, not all Dem's lean left. This one especially. Elections and party victories ordinarily run in cycles. However, in NH, the Republican party dominated for years. Hence, my elation that November when the Demorats swept.

I suspect NH will see another cycle, and soon.

Where can one see how each elected official voted?
- Jack, Manchester

It is amazing how we can take God out of government when it is convienent for people. But then suddenly gays and lesbian want to get married and the church is back in this. Remeber people the bible is againest same sex relationships. If that is the case then why isn't the Catholic church making an the same example out of these priests that we as a nation are making against gays and lesbians. They only want the same choices that we make everyday and if a wife can suck the life out of her husband after they divorce (for alimony or insurance) then why can't a loving couple who are committing to each other have the same benefits. Gays and Lesbians want to marry eachother. They are not getting down on one knee and asking us ignorant "striaght people" to marry them. Straight people have a choice, let everyone else have the same.
- Stephanie, Londonderry

"Honestly, I suggest you let it go. If it doesn't pass now it will pass another time."--Whitney Williams, Manchester

Sort of sounds like the phrase, "it is useless to resist us."

All we want is for people to stop forcing their agendas on us!
- Patricia, Raymond

Being a native NH person, I am so very happy that the "Live Free Or Die" motto is being taken seriously. Gay rights, Straight rights, Civil rights, they all come under the heading of the U.S. Constitution, containing the words, "all men are created equal." We need to FULLY understand these words. Each faction of peoples, yes even genders, have had to fight for the right to live equally. WE ALL PAY TAXES, thereby ALL should have the right to live equally, by the same laws, and given the same rights, as others. The Bible is an interpretaion by man of God's "words." Now, before you jump on me and say that I am an athiest, I went to parochial school for 8 years. I do believe in the rights of all to live in peace and non-judgement of and by, others. In the Bible it also says, that "those without sin can cast the first stone." How many of you against this bill, would be able to do just that? How many, that say that gays are sinners, would be able to be pure enough to be able to throw that first stone? People, put your hatred aside and let live. Graspe what your church is teaching. Love one another as yourself. NH will always be my home; please make me proud. Liz
- elizabeth, carmichael, ca

Jan, from Londonderry :
I suppose the success of these homosexuality treatments can best be seen in the rate of suicide and drug and alcohol abuse among those who are "treated".

I guess killing yourself if you are gay and you are made to believe that you cannot be openly gay really does solve the problem for all you bigots.

Honestly, I suggest you let it go. If it doesn't pass now it will pass another time. Discrimination may persist, but not forever. And polarizing and beligerently ignorant comments such as those contained here only serve too stir the hearts of those who are sympathetic but previously uninvolved.

I pray you do not have children.
- Whitney Williams, Manchester, NH

Tara,

I don't want to leave. I want YOU to leave.
I am tired of being judged or made to feel bad for my convictions. Some things are clearly black/white, right/wrong. There is a strong push to try to taint this conviction. Sorry,but some of us will not be swayed by the lawless and moral-less social slants.
- Patricia, Raymond

We have mounting unemployment and serious issues facing this state and nation. Yet some homosexual legislators fired by their homosexuality and gay coalition agenda think the most important law to be passed is to redefine deviant sexual behavior as normal and right, and give themselves "marriage' because having civil unions isn't sufficient--though they previously said it is equal and addresses all their concerns. Shall we in NH let sexual and moral deviants define what this State and the USA is to become, e.g. Sodom and Gomorrah? Homosexuality is a treatable condition when the person seeks to be treated. It is not a civil rights or discrimination issue.
- Jan, Londonderry, NH

It is simple, really. If you don't agree with gay marriage, don't marry a gay person. Problem solved.

Honestly, they are not desperate to have sex with you, your kids, or your farm animals. Get a grip.
- Whitney Williams, Manchester, NH

And if it doesn't pass or is vetoed by Gov Lynch, gays & lesbians still have the same rights as EVERYONE else, they can enter a into a civil union or MARRY someone of the opposite sex. Put it on the ballot, let the voters decide.
- Mae, Plaistow

Does anyone else love how John Lynch runs immediately to the safe center right positions on everything while still calling himself a Democrat?

For once I'd like to see an Executive in Government that doesn't live to be "bipartisan" and politically expedient.

Wonder if I'm alone on that...
- Martin, Munsonville

Amazing how so many in the "live free or die" state wish so powerfully to control the "morals" and habits of others. Gay marriage does not constitute a threat to traditional marriage as the ability of two people from the same sex to have their union recognized by the state as an official and legal union between two consenting adults has absolutely nothing to do with the ability of two people of opposite sexes to marry whatsoever.

If there are those of you with personal moral objections to homosexuality or social tolerance of it, that is fine and well within your rights. However for you to assume that because it conflicts with your personal morality that Government and society should take active steps against it, when no social, economic, political or security detriment is actually posed, you are seriously either overlooking or misinterpreting the meanings of the words "freedom" and "liberty."

Fifty years ago, social norms and "morality" dictated that black people should not have equal use of public goods and facilities and that they were not to tread where civil white society occupied.

For those of you claiming that we must defend immorality, I would say that you should look in the mirror as it is not your place, nor that of our government to judge that which others do privately. Should they, as a reasonable, productive AMERICAN subset of our modern culture wish to be accepted by that culture, there is no rational reason not to do so.

Your morality is not universally shared, therefore it should not and cannot be universally enforced. It is not your place to tell others how to live their lives.
- Nick, Nelson

"Live Free or Die" I'm so sick of people complaining that NH is turing in to MA. If you don't like the way the state is changing then leave.
- Tara, Manchester

Marriage is a union created by God which can only exist between a man and a woman. To pass legislation stating otherwise would be as absurd as it would be to enact a law saying that the world is flat or that the speed of light is 5 mph (both of which are not true). It's not a matter of freedom or rights, it's a matter of accepting or rejecting a natural truth.
- Peter Orzech, Manchester, NH

um, being gay is not a choice.
- JT, Manchester

"It is okay because is allows two people who love each other to enforce that bond through a binding and legal contract.

It is okay because it allows a partner to sit at the death bed of a dying loving one when hospitals only allow family members.

It is okay because it allows a person to include their loved one on their insurance policies and it eases estate management."

Is it incorrect that the new rights observed under the Civil Union definition also allow these things?

Marriage is a religious observance and as such should be restricted to religion. Religion by itself cannot be and should not be legislated by the state. Now if gays and lesbians want to found a religion that observes gay/lesbian marriage then so be it.

The real issue here isn't whether or not the state recognizes it .. it should be whether or not a religion recognizes gay/lesbian marriage. Could this lead to a hollow religious group organized simply to observe gay/lesbian marriage .. possibly. Does that open a whole range of other questions about polygamy, polyandry, etc .. absolutely.

Do I like the idea .. not really .. freedom and democracy is a messy thing but I wouldn't give it up for the alternatives. Patience and understanding is required when we meet someone that believes in something outside of what we believe in.
- Jim M, Hooksett, NH

Basically, if everyone pays the same in taxes, they should be entitled to the exact same rights. If you are against gay marriage, don't attend a ceremony. Personally, I think all people should be granted civil unions (gay & straight), then have it blessed at a church if you want to call it marriage. Otherwise, if you follow the religious point of view, atheists should not be granted marriage rights either. That is crazy. We are citizens of the United States. We all pay the same in taxes. We ALL deserve equal rights. If two consulting adults wish to enter a union, then it is not anyone's right to take that right away. We live in a diverse world, deal with it.
- Sean, Manchester

Live your OWN life.
- haley, bedford new hampshire

Since the bill was "narrowly passed" and the people against gay marriage want it to be a "clearer" win, then why can't California fight that because the of banning gay marriage was so "narrow" that we want it to be clear whether or not gay marriage is allowed?
Both sides will use the same damn arguements.
When do I get to vote on your civil rights?

Whether or not you think gay marriage is "acceptable" in your religion doesnt mean you can't let them have the same rights you have, without someone having to vote on them.
- Meghan, California.

"Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." Declaration of Independence.
"With liberty and justice for all." Pledge of Allegiance."
"Land of the Free." National Anthem.
"Live Free or Die." NH State Motto.
Don't you sense a common theme? Any questions?
- Donnie, Manchester

John Sununu is a dweeb.

San Francisco values and agenda in New Hampshire: all right!

Now if we can only get some sourdough bread and Barry to DH, I'll really be happy.
- Meg, Rye, NH

Thank you!! This is a great step forward for New Hampshire and makes me feel proud of my home state.
- Brian, Brookline

im happy that gay marrige is happening. People should be happy with thier loved ones.Listen Im only 15 years old and I have friends that are being picked on just because he is happy with a guy.Its just not right to me and now New Hampshire will let guys or woman marry each other. :]
- Tishara, Manchester NH

Let's not forget that Senator Janeway has gay children. So we can forget about him representing the voice of the people honestly. And remember, that this fight is not over. Gov.Lynch can simply ignore the bill for 5 - 10 and it defaults to law! The people need to have this issue go to the ballot box! We the people....must be heard. The gay/lesbian/transgender community is very small. But they have big dollars and big political people backing them. Remember, immorality has no prejudice of people. However, we the people, do and will have a voice. We must call our senators and our Gov. and make our voices heard. This is how it works. If we want to stop this immorality invading our state. We must act! We can be the example to all states fighting this same issue. The GLTG community is not going to stop here. They are infiltrating every aspect of our lives. Point ot ponder...if they can change our moral fabric with such small numbers, whos to say that the radical muslims that are in this country won't be the next ones to make the demands on our state or country? We Americans that are true red, white and blue must take action now! This is our role call. Stand up and make the call or write the letter to your senator and gov today. Let your voice be heard. You can also go on line to protect marrage nh Get involved. Show you care. Make the difference. What you say and do does matter. If this is really something that you feel strongly about than I say Do something proactive to change it! We gotta fight for our rights. I hope that this will get those of you who are thinking that someone else is going to fight this battle for you, to get up and take action. We the people have to speak up and take action. We the people....in New Hampshire must be heard. And We the people in New Hampshire say very simply under no circumstance "No" to same sex marriage! Thank you.
- Dee, Weare,NH

I remember when I was a kid in the early 70's a neighbor of ours was getting re-married. I asked about the wedding and my mom replied that she and her fiance were 'just going down to city hall'.
When was the last time anyone went to church services there?
- Elaine, Hooksett

Response to the gay marriage issue.

I am utterly sickened by the passing of any bill that allows same sex marriage in this Great Country USA. People talk about religion as if they have some and use the word equal rights as a double edge sword. It has nothing to do with either equal rights or religion. For the simple fact that it is (Unnatural). Make yourself worse than animals in the sex since. It is nothing to be proud of. Nothing to shout on roof tops. Morals and good Values do not fit into this category. What does this say about the leaders in making decisions to allow unnatural happenings in this country. What does the soldier feel about the governments allowing things like this? Think it uplifts moral for the soldier putting his life on the line, which is the greatest sacrifice anyone can give for this Great Country. I don't believe so. We separated church and state. So no longer do we have a foundation for State or Country to stand on which good morals and values came from. Foundation has fallen and crumbled. Everything was built on the Christian Bible. Now this foundation is of people voted into office and there experience in life. ( yea) Nothing can stand strong and bold with out a solid foundation. Nothing will last!
- Matthew Herrera, Wells, ME

Since the Supreme Court in its wisdom has said what adults do in the privacy of their home is their business, something I hope both liberals and conservatives can agree on, then the question is what do we do with all these gays and lesbians? It seems that we have a choice between telling the gay/lesbian community to enter into loving long time relationships, ie, get married or don't have a serious relationship and literally screw around. I don't understand family value conservatives who are against people making serious commitments to each other. You want them to be jumping from bed to bed?

I also liked what someone said earlier...would you deny your son or daughter the right to marry the person they loved?
- Joe, Weare

The NH legislature is inspirational and a fantastic role model for the nation. On issues like capitol punishment and equal rights they continue to be courageous and do the RIGHT THING irregardless of political backlash. I tell everyone no matter where I go how PROUD I am of this great state!

Greg Barrett
Manchester
- Greg Barrett, Manchester

These are scary times we are living in. I am going to contact my representatives and let them know I am opposed to this. And hopefully after the messy fiasco these democrats have wrought in the last 2 years, the NH people will open their eyes and vote them "Out of Office". We need to remember our families - what a legacy we'll be leaving them if this passes. And if the Governor says he will veto it, and then he doesn't, well, God help us then.
- Lisa, Manchester, NH

Jan in Londonderry's post pretty much says it all - this is a religious issue, not a state one. The state should either recognize all marriages or stick to civil unions only and the the churches decide what they want to do.
- JC, Newfields

If you don't like the way NH is changing then get out! You are not needed here! I salute the reps that were wise enough to understand the issue and strong enough to vote yes. Being gay is NOT A CHOICE! As the mother of a gay son who was born that way I can attest to the fact that there is now way he would choose to have to live with the intolerance he lives with every day! Stop discriminating and spewing hate. Live your life the way you choose and let others live theirs and when you stand at the pearly gate you should be all set.
- Mary, Concord, NH

For those of you who state that this is an attempt by liberals to force an issue that has already been addressed by allowing civil unions, you should note that the article states "Federal law does not recognize civil unions or same-sex marriages". So, understanding this means that those couples who are in committed relationships, who pay taxes and support NH businesses, do not have the same federal rights. There are over 1000 federal rights that couples who are married have. It is an issue of equality.
- Sam, Colebrook

Congratulations NH! I am proud to live in a state that recognizes the importance of equality for all couples and families. I will be proud to raise my children here.
- Maria, Campton

It's funny how "conservatives" pick and choose which items they don't want the government interfering with.

Why can't the government just stay out of ALL of my business?? guns, gays, seatbelts, helmets... I'm an adult. Let me choose.

Live free or die... unless I am morally opposed to it. I guess THAT is the NH way.
- Justin, Manchester

Jenny In Terre Haute:

Sorry, but there is no such thing as a "gay gene", and I doubt you're a legitimate scientist of any kind.
- Marc Carter, Rockville, MD

It is one thing to understand the issues and take a position. It is quite another to not even understand the debate. And, then to proudly admit it?

Back to the subject, if we were banning gays from civil unions, that would be stepping on their rights.

Legalizing gay marriage steps on the rights of the rest of us and defies thousands of years of tradition and practice.

And, in New Hampshire, it steps on the rights of the people to rule themselves.
- John, Deerfield

Every single one of us has a father and a mother each. Whether you believe in God, some higher power or even if you grasp to your theory of evolution you must agree, you would not exist without both one mother and one father.

This great design was not by chance. Man and woman are created by design to procreate. Heather (Two Mommies) and Jenny (Erik and Martin) must understand that they were created only by natural conception. It is impossible for two women solely or two men solely to create another human. It is not natural.

Yes, I do work with some that are homosexual (men and women). I have no problem with the individual. But they know that I disagree with their lifestyle. They also know that I disagree with homosexual marriage.

As with smoking I disagree with it also. You may wish to smoke, but don't force me to smoke your cigarrette (in the office, the resturant, etc.) or to pay your medical bills as a result of your lifestyle.
- Bob, Franklin

Relax people! This bill is going nowhere. If the Senate doesn't kill it, the Gov will --and there are not enough votes to override his veto. He caved on the Civil Union bill and did not veto, but not this time! He's going to stand up for what it right. Just watch.
- Paul R, Concord

In another article you'll learn that Vermont's governor intends to veto the homosexual "marriage" bill in his state (why are NH and VT dealing with this at the same time? Coincidence?).

I never thought I'd see the day when Vermont begins to look more appealing than New Hampshire.
- Tom, Campton

Judging from the outpouring of comments you'd think this issue really mattered. This bill does nothing more or less than ensure equal rights for all citizens of the state. Whether the religious right likes it or not, we are a secular country and their religious opinions do not matter.
- LJC, Manchester

Hooray for NH! This is a proud day for NH!
- Mary P, Lee, NH

It is one thing to understand the issues and take a position. It is quite another to not even understand the debate. And, then to proudly admit it?

Back to the subject, if we were banning gays from civil unions, that would be stepping on their rights.

Legalizing gay marriage steps on the rights of the rest of us and defies thousands of years of tradition and practice.

And, in New Hampshire, it steps on the rights of the people to rule themselves.
- John, Deerfield

Cecille,
and how many FAMILIES who bring their children here for vacations will decide that a state that will become a "magnet" for gays is NOT where they want to vacation in? What will the loss of revenue be from that negative factor?
- Fran, New Hampton

I am a Roman Catholic.
Privately I am against gay marriage. Publicly I am for gay marriage.

Why 2 opinions? Because married couples generally pay more taxes than single people. They spend more money locally - clothes and shoes for their children, lessons for this that and the other thing, etc., etc. Married people are better for the economy. We need that now more than ever.

Since I am a temple of MY god and not that of the person next to me or in Rome, my religious convictions are entirely my own and can never be threatened by anyone else. The presence of same-sex marriages does not deminish me.

Having said that, I believe that marriage in the eyes of the state and marriage in the eyes of one's faith are not mutual. They can occur at the same time for those who need it, like me, but it is not a requirement. In my opinion marriage occurs when two people sign their marriage license. Those who are religious can get it santified with a ceremony in the church/temple of their faith.

...and by the way, my younger sister is gay. I have never stopped loving her or challenged with her with her choice in life. That is between her and HER god.
- David R, Manchester

"San Fransisco agenda"??? Really??? If that's all John Sununu has for a retort, this state is in good shape.
- Dan, Manchester

Scott from Salem could not have said it better. Simple solution all joint relationships between two are civil unions gay or straight and you can only have one civil union. Marriage should be a religous/personnal decision. Get the government out of all marriages between two consenting adults that is not an abusive relationship.
- Brian, Wakefield

Do I have to be gay to marry another man, or can heterosexuals marry too?
I've been married to 3 different women and besides the reproducing thing, men and women have nothing in common. All my wives ever wanted to do is go shopping, get their hair and nails done, and go to fancy restaurants. I'd rather be with my buddies fishing and hunting, drinking beer, and watching football. Now that there's a tax advantage to marrying my drinking buddy, I'm proposing to him tonight.
- John, Rye

Civil Unions is more than sufficient. Homosexuality is abnormal behavior. We the people should be able to vote on this issue. The gay legislators and staffers are shoving their deviant sexual agenda and live styles on everyone. Does anyone remember Sodom and Gomarrah? God will judge this nation severely and those whom ignore His Ways. We have a gay family member who was sexually assaulted as a youth. We love Him very much. Yet, we and he knows his sexual and living style is not natural. Is the abnormal minority to rule and overtake the majority by shouting louder and manipulating the political system? May the gay agenda for NH and our nation be seen for what it is--purposing a form of hinderance, oppression discrimination against those of us know God and seek with all our heart to follow His Word!
- Jan, Londonderry, NH

First, so much misinformation has to be dispelled before we can proceed with honest discussion. The state must clearly define their role in marriage, since people still seem not to know. Then clarify the role of the church, the Bishop did this so well at the Judiciary hearing. Then, answer why is there so much fear? No-one is asking to take anything away from heterosexuals? Would you prefer a tax cut for hommosexuals who pay the same taxes but not allowed equal rights?In a country that professes 'equal rights', why is our history so littered with the fights of so many minorities, that have not done anything wrong, to get these rights? It is so easy to closed minded, as I ask my students, when you are about to announce a judgement on a group of people, please take a moment and put the face of someone near and dear to you in that group, and listen to how it changes your heart.
- Lori, Woodstock

Just because *your* religion says something is immoral, doesn’t mean the rest of us have to live by it. So many of you want us to live by Christian law, the reality is that this is a country of many faiths and none of them should come into play when creating law.
Gay marriage doesn’t hurt anyone. If this law puts your marriage in danger I suspect that you looking for a scapegoat for a bad marriage.
- Maria, Manchester NH

The government should only recognize civil unions - a partnership between 2 consenting adults. Marriage should stick to being a religious thing.

BTW, I'm a republican and catholic.
- Ray, Pelham, NH

NH has a Civil Union law that grants equal legal rights. Why is it bigotry if someones religious BELIEFS causes them to say marriage (in my mind a religious connotation) is between a man and a women? Sexual preference trumps religious beliefs? I am not religious and I do believe in equal rights and NH has the right answer in it's Civil Union law.

For once Gov. Lynch should show some leadership and take a stand. He only has to look to, of all places VT, do what their Gov. said he will do, VETO this. It is beyond time move on and solve the serious financial mess facing NH.

The NH House fiddles while Rome burns. The ruling Classic is pathetic.
- Tom, bow

So few here and our elected officials don't seem to be asking questions or preparing for legal issues in this. Issues that are already tying up court rooms in the gay marriage states.

1) When a gay couple gets a divorce who will pay alimony? So far no court seems to know and the gay couples involved think neither one should pay the other as head of the household. Maybe our elected officials could be the first ones to put this into the law so our courts can focus on important issues.

2) If marriage is still not defined in this bill as being between a man and woman or a man and a man or a woman and a woman, it sets the stage so marriage can still be defined as anything else down the road. If you think it won't happen then you still have no clue as to how far radicals will go to force themselves on society. Gay's got civil unions and it's still not enough. Maybe our leaders can finally decide what will be enough.

Put your feel good emotions aside for a moment and think for a change or maybe one day someone will marry your twelve year old son or daughter also because some radical thinks the age of consent is too high.
- Deb, Derry

This is great news for the wedding industry. Lots of wedding related businesses will get a lot of new customers. Tour bus companies are planning special charters for bring gay couples to N.H. to get married from all over the east coast and Canada. Its all about business and lets bring in the bucks!
- Cecille, Manchester

Dave from Bedford, and all the rest of the Gay-haters who have responded here. Remember this, one day the judgement you are passing here, on people you know nothing of, will passed on you. There are plenty of sexually deviant and perverted heterosexuals. Perhaps you're one of them- holed up in a bedroom on the internet. Demonizing gays, or any group of people, is done by those who have true evil in themselves. Perhaps Dave you should have a long hard look at yourself. Hopefully you'll be as repulsed by what you see as I am by what you said.
- Nancy, Bedford

Thank you Shawn from Milton. Your point is correct in my opinion.

My ex-husband has been married 3 times. He has fathered children with each wife. He can do so as many times as he pleases. He can leave a "marriage" when he is bored or it takes more work and commitment than he is willing to give. What does that say about the sanctity of marriage? Not much. The church will not maryy him again, but he allowed to get married again and again per the state. Why does he have this right and all the benefits under a legal marital union when a committed, loving, homosexual couple cannot? Just because he happens to be heterosexual? Explain the sense in that? There is none, unless you happen to a bigot, then you make sense of anything to support your hatred.
- Nancy, Bedford

Has anyone realized that the majority of the people that are against gay marriage here are men? My guess is that maybe some of these men are a little insecure about their man-hood themselves, and need to argue against this to keep reminding themselves they are straight. Or maybe they are afraid that their wives or girlfriends will run off with another woman. I guess if more "lesbians" are allowed to get married, the dating pool will get much smaller for them.
- Kim, Gilford

It's amazing that the supposed party of less government intrusion has anti gay marriage and anti choice as about their only issues. Talk about government intrusion in someone's life - it's these stances.
- Frank, York Maine

Wrong! Wrong! Wrong!
This has absolutely nothing to do with fairness, no matter what gay priest, what's his name says.
I, served two terms, as a Democrat in the NH House and I would have voted an emphatic, no on this issue!
Where does it say anywhere that it is okay to legislate immorality? Where is it written that I must teach my children it is okay when two men slobber all over each other in public in a disgusting display of animalistic lust? Where is it displayed that though I totally disagree with this behavior, I now must accept it, as it does not matter what I think anymore. It only matters what those with deviant plans on their minds think.
Where the hell is all the fairness then?
- Jeb Riley, Fall River, Mass

For those who say that Civil Unions provide the EXACT same benefits as Marriage should try getting a Civil Union and then move to a State that does not recognize them. Every legal right you had related to your Civil Union means nothing now. That's where equal rights come in. Once the Federal government stops using the term "Marriage" in all legal documents that have nothing to do with religious rights then maybe being "Married" won't be such a big deal. Replace the terms on the 1040 Individual tax return so it no longer says "Married -filing Separate" or "Married- filing jointly". Replace "Married" with "Civil Union" or even "Civil Marriage" in all legal documents -- THAT will provide equal rights. "Marriage" from one state is recognized in ALL states -- "Civil Unions" are not. Civil Unions- Civil Marriages or whatever you want to call them need to recognized in all states and in all Federal language in order for there to be equal rights for all.
And the arguement that gays and lesbians have the same right to marry -- marry someone of the opposite sex? Is that the only reason you got married? Marriage is suppose to be about love and commitment between two people - not "well I got married because I could". Is it equal rights that two people who have nothing in common can get married just to take advantage of of tax laws, social security benefits, and hundreds of other laws that are automatically granted with "Marriage" -- But two people in a loving committed relationship, who support each other financially and share a home and life together are told that they can not have the same rights?
If you don't like Gays having use of the word Marriage, then tell the Government to chages the language of the laws so that two people joined in a civil union or civil marriage have the same legal rights as any two other people legally joined. Keep the term Marriage for the church, but don't deny equal rights simply because the government uses the same language.
- Kevin, Manchester

Peter from Juneau - Since you left NH for the great white north, when you elect a hockey puck for governor, keep your criticism in your frozen waste land. You must be from the party of family values that speaks to abstinance until the governor's dirty laundry hits the press. Then the old blind eye is turned on your state and your crossed eyes focus here. Get a life!
- Chris, Concord

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it" -- George Santayana

In Carle C. Zimmerman's 1947 book "Family and Civilization" he analyzes past democratic cultures particularly ancient Greece and Rome, medieval and modern Europe.

His summarization is that in civilizations where the family structure was weakened by introducing abortion and homosexuality, et al, the result was the collapse of the civilization.
- Ron Minerd, Merrimack

So glad to see tax dollars going to causes
like this. So now you can get married.
How did this help jobs? High taxes,
government bail outs to companies that send their work over seas so they can pay 7 dollars a week. And lay off the employee here. I am not anti gay just want the government to focas on the big problems. If you want marriage fine but we have bigger problems to fix first.
- pete, deerfield

I called my Rep. in support. I just hope that gay people are going to be true to the effort to fight for the rest of the Bill of Rights and fight just as hard to protect the second amendement as well.
- Greg Hale, Manchester NH

If this is true:

"The civil unions bill he signed into law prevents discrimination and provides the same legal protections to all New Hampshire families to the extent that is possible under federal law"

then the "fairness" and "equality" justifications for gay mariage are unwarranted.

It the above is true, then the only reason to pass gay "marriage" is to try to legitimize it and equate it in meaning with traditional marriage.

The civil union bill gives them the rights of traditional marriage. They have equality under the law.

They just want equality under people's approval that it is okay.
- CJ, manchester

The UL's editorializing in the title of this story is rather obvious that sheds a negative light on their ability to think outside the box. The passage of a bill in the House by only 7 votes is not an endorsement in my book, simply acceptance of what some folks want.
- Gary L. Kerr, Chichester

Rick from Lee....google Ryan White.
- Tracy, Goffstwon

Thanks for getting the idea, that governments use God's trademarked and copyrighted word, "marriage," only with permission when they use it in line for the sacrament that it is. Marriage is more than a word, it is a sacrament. If there are details to work out with Civil Union efficacy, then work them out in the details. Don't try to use the State to steal foundation stones of the Church as a short circuit to handing some details with Civil Unions.

Thanks for illustrating the effort to remove freedom of religion by rattling the tax saber. Also the attempt to paint hatred on someone you disagree with is so off base. Jesus, God, and The Holy Spirit are the real source of hope and peace and joy for the world. Trying to paint hate on our creator is absurd. In California, we have had protesters interrupt a church service in progress. This is a serious situation and a challenge to the foundation of our country. We were founded so as to achieve freedom of religion. If enacted, this bill would clearly remove freedoms for those religious. The attempt in itself is odious.

And Procreation is about Procreation. The further we disconnect the act from the result of childbearing, child nurturing, and child raising, the further disconnected we become. The Sacrament of Marriage provides optimal facilities for children. It, is God's design.

I love you all and so does Jesus, God, and The Holy Spirit.
- Tony Fallon, Strafford

The Bible says that marriage is between one man and up to 1000 women... if you're really for "biblical marriage" then you have to be for polygamy!

If you're for "traditional" marriage, narrowly defined as modern western European traditions, then you're for a state in which women are legally inferior to men - not a tradition I can support, either.
- Joan, Manchester

How many convicted rapists have been reported to have homosexual tendencies? Oh that's right, just the priests of the Catholic Church.
And they call it "molestation".

This topic is full of double-standards.
- Pat, Dublin

wow, so much hate.
Well, I still haven't seen a non-religious argument as-to why the state shouldn't "legalize" gay marriage. I mean, it's not illegal, just not state-sanctioned and thus not "official" so all this bill does is "sanction" it. Many churches have been performing it for years, and as everybody knows gays have been around since the beginning of recorded history so this isn't exactly a new issue nor can it be argued a "moral" one. Many other countries have had it on the books for years, and god hasn't punished them with hurricanes or anything yet.
Again this bill will not harm marriage but strengthen it. It will also boost the economy. There is no reason to veto this bill, and I ask gov. Lynch to look beyond the hate and ignorance of a few nutcases and look at the long term, and at what is right for the people in NH. "Live free or die"? I hope so.
- joe t, derry, nh

Our elected official should be spending there time on better issues like jobs .
- joseph lamarre, weare

re; Prop 8. Hate spewed by the HRC? How about taxpayer funded hate spewed by out of town religious organizations and rich neocons. Aren't you supposed to lose your tax exempt status is you meddle in politics?
- Dorothy, Concord

Celebration time...all the liberals just proud of themselves. Gay Marriage, No death penality for cop killers, murderers and rapists, legalize pot. All the time the liberal dominated legislature fails to deal with a huge budget deficit, a sagging economy and high property taxes. What in the heck goes on in the halls of our statehouse?
It's time we take back New Hampshire and throw those San Francisco bums out of office in 2010. Maybe we should organize a bus tour of all these liberal legislators homes.
- Dean, Merrimack

Just to clarify, my answers regarding Christianity were directed at Ben with his intolerance (I am sure it meets the definition of intolerance as the PC, Human Rights Campaign, LGBT community define it today).

That is not down out of hatred or anger towards Ben, just trying to give him a different point of view. Quite the opposite, I have love for Ben and his family and wish him the best.

I am also not trying to convey that a religious argument is the reason to not support this bill or the only reason not to support the bill.

If you look at how marriage has been defined by society, by history and by traditions employed throughout our world and history you always see it is defined between a man and a woman. Redefining this institution to mean something very different is not a sign of progressiveness or open-mindedness. Instead it is a sign of a weakening majority and a vocal and vociferous minority creeping into pockets of power. It is the story of a group of people who already have rights (Get married, if you are a man and you find a woman, go and get married, you're rights are not infringed upon in this state today) who are attempting to become a protected class of people with additional rights custom added for themselves.

The what next question is perfectly legitimate here. Sure the "radical" extremes of polgyamy or bestiality are thrown about. I am not worried about the latter but the former is entirely possible. There are plenty of groups of people who want that.

What about groups like NAMBLA? Will there be arguments for those young boys who are not quite adults yet but old enough to make an argument about consent wanting to marry older men? Seriously, NAMBLA exists and is a real group. Why shouldn't they have rights to express their love? So what if a lot of the kids caught up with them are abused kids with very real mental disorders, it's unfair and intolerant to make a statement from a moral argument anymore, right?

As many seem to acknowledge through their anger towards Christianity, morals have to come from a higher power. There has to be an absolute. Argue all you want but if you don't claim an absolute your argument can easily fall over. Relativism doesn't work. So if we legislate anything based on morality then it must fall under separation of church and state, as the thought process of today goes. So this becomes an issue, like Abortion, that so many feel is only about us crazy religious types.

Sorry that is a weak argument. We are either a society of morals and agree with a moral compass higher than us or we aren't. If we aren't then we are a society with millions of moral compasses that don't point to the same magnetic north. What one person sees as right must be tolerated and if it isn't they will fight with money and hatred to get themselves a protected status. This all costs us taxpayers more money, teaches our children that it's all relative (makes school shootings easier for them to perpetrate if "right" is something they can define) and completely removes responsibility from our society.

I hope Gov. Lynch holds to his stated intentions and vetoes this. I know folks like Ben can't see it but I have love for people caught up in that lifestyle but that doesn't mean I need to accept it as is and change my view of morality. Is that hateful? No, I would gladly lay down my life for anyone to save theirs regardless of their sexual orientation. I will earnestly pray for any need of a person in that lifestyle and offer help where I can. We are all sinners and God sees our sin on the same sphere (We are all not Holy and equally bad). I offer the same love that I, a sinner who deserves hell just like anyone else, hopes to receive...
- Mike W, Milton, NH

For those who fail to understand why they are trying to pass this law it is because government recognizes marriage as more than just a legal binding contract. While a civil union is recognized as a partnership with legal rights those rights are really only recognized to the level of ownership or property nothing more, well so it was until the civil unions bill which discriminates agains heterosexual couples. Myself, I don't care if people of the same sex want to get married it's none of my business and I have better things to worry about but I am in the minority in my opinion.

I do see a real miscarriage of democracy at play here. New Hampshire can place these sort of propositions on the ballot for the people to decide. This Democrat legislature however isn't interested in what the people of New Hampshire think, they have their own agenda so be damned with the will of the people.
- Don Diamant, Milton, NH

Ben -

I was raised with those same choices and by a mother who was very much not interested in organized religion and certainly not the grace and love of God through Jesus Christ.

I grew up with the same views as you mostly for most of my life. Thinking church was a place for intellectually weak people, a place for power and greed to grow with not a lot of good being done.

Oh how wrong I was! It isn't about a church, it's about a relationship with the very God who created this world. We are all sinners, we all have fallen far short of God's glory and there is grace available to all of us.

I didn't realize how little I knew about the Bible until I started studying it. How many facts have been verified through archaeology, how many fulfilled prophecies exist in the Bible. There is a God, there is a Satan and there is a Heaven and Hell. Fight it blindly if you want with your "tolerant" anger. You say you have no hatred but your vinegar is pouring out towards those who believe. Maybe you are like me and you are fighting something you actually are partially convinced is true deep down inside and that is making you fight harder.

I can tell you that I have never been freer since I gave my life to Christ. I have never had more Joy and I have never felt like my church was looking for power or greed. Just the opposite... Through humility and love we do amazing things for a lot of people from all walks of life with our congregation's generosity.

My kids will grow up learning that kindness and generosity towards all people. It's the way of life described all through the Bible. Kindness is one thing, blindly accepting immorality as approved morality is not kind. In fact it's quite different than kindness, it's lying to yourself and the world. Some bullies who are truly intolerant (just look at some of the hate spewed by groups like the HRC, the hate against the folks who supported the recent voting in CA on marriage) will try and force public opinion to believe that "accept and embrace" is the only true way of displaying love. What a silly lie.
- Mike W, Milton, NH

My parents have been married 7 times. Two gay friends of mine have been with their partners for more than 35 years combined.

Which of these scenarios reflect the true meaning of dedication to your partner?

If the term "marriage" is related to the Bible, then we need to abolish the State recognizing "marriages". All joined couple's relationships should be called "civil unions".

Separation of Church and State people...
- Shawn, Milton

NH used to be such a great state. It is such a shame that the state I grew up in is heading down such a moral and depraved path. I hope the senate reverses this trend, but I think that the influence of MA, VT, & NY are too great to turn the tide and NH will continue to be just another liberal cesspool like the states aforementioned. Good luck to those citizens who still hold some moral fiber. The balkanization of the US will continue until there is another Civil war and Obama will not be like Lincoln, more like Mussolini. Read your history.
- Pete Webber, Juneau AK

This is why I dont read the Union Leader because of the so many close minded people. Does it affect your life NO it only affects Homosexual let us be. Hate is not a God thing it comes from Hell. Love is a good thing so stop bashing and start loving and maybe this world would become a better place. Thats why Israel and Gaza are at each other and why muslims and christians can't stand each other.

Love one another. convince me to love Jesus and not hate him.
- Carlos, Franklin,NH

This is a great step forward, but it is not the final answer. The local, state and federal governments should grant each individual liberty and allow each individual to pursue happiness in our own way. It should not matter to our governments what type of parties, clubs, friends, contracts, unions or marriages we enter. We have equal rights as individuals.
- Lou, Littleton

Gay Marriage=Why Not?

Decriminalize Marijuana=NOOOOO thats a "quality of life issue", really? well I think it's time to move on to a state that has a better definition of Quality of Life because this certainly isn't it.
- Chris G, derry NH

First off it is not "Gay" (1 a: happily excited : merry , in a gay mood b: keenly alive and exuberant : having or inducing high spirits , a bird's gay spring song, 2 a: bright , lively , gay sunny meadows, b: brilliant in color3: given to social pleasures ; also : licentious, secondly it is not "marriage" ((1): the state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law). You homosexuals (1 : of, relating to, or characterized by a tendency to direct sexual desire toward another of the same sex 2 : of, relating to, or involving sexual intercourse between persons of the same sex) (note both definitions of homosexual are related to sexual acts, not love) can call it anything you want but it is not Marriage. End of discussion. All of you that get your news from the main stream media only then vote, what have you done? The above definitions were taken from Webster before they were also perverted by political correctness.
- Allan, Rochester

Sure, people came over to the New World in the 1700s, 1800s, and the 1900s so to practice their religions. But, it doesn't mean other people, or even a government, MUST follow those people's morals and MUST mandate the same morals for everybody else.

Homosexuality--or gay marriages--does not affect other people. Sure, it will offend a conservative person's nose, but keep your nose out of other people's business! Gay marriages will not change a town structure, change the world population, change the planet, change the town or state, etc. Homosexuality or its marriage is not equivalent to murder, rape, arson, etc--no other person is affected (except for the oh-so-sensitive ones)

As for those people who are whining and threatening to leave a state, guess what? Homosexuality is everywhere. Get over it and grow up. Stop pretending that homosexuality is a tool for doom's day.

As for those people who equated gay marriage to allowing incest, allowing beastiality, allowing this or that, a relationship between two gays is just a relationship between two non-relatives of the same sex. You are all just a bunch of drama queens!
- Kristy, NH

I never understood how a topic regarding gays can become such a hotbed with heterosexuals! Why do you care? Does it affect you in one iota?

To the self-righteous, "devout" posters in these comments--the basic tenet of nearly ALL religions is, "love thy neighbor as thyself." For anybody pretending to be "holy" while incessantly professing intolerance, hate and prejudice is vile. It merely proves you are nothing more than closed-minded bigots who hate blindly for no apparent reason.

As for the concept of "marriage" being a religious act...marriage has been around since before recorded history, through the Greek and Roman empires and before. Even the early "Christian" marriages were not a religious event, they were merely consensual agreements. Homosexual partners have as much right to be "married" as anybody, and to argue against it is archaic.

I realize society must grow in baby steps, but it's really tiresome in the 21st century to still see so much ignorance...and this is coming from a heterosexual father of 3 kids. Grow up people...life's too short to live with blind hatred.
- Bob, Hooksett

Vic et al--
The right to marry means nothing if one cannot marry the partner of one's choice. Thus telling someone in love with a man that he can marry a woman over insyead is hardly equality.
- P Culliton, Temple

Why is the government even in the marriage business in the first place. What business is it of our government who marries whom in a religious ceremony?

I would no sooner tell a gay man he can't enter into the covenant of marriage with his partner than I'd tell him he can't carry a gun to defend himself from violent bigots.

Get the government out of the marriage business altogether. Let each church or denomination make their its rules relating to the rite of Holy matrimony.
- Bruce M., Brentwood

To Tony Fallon:

If you want to keep your religious terms sacred then remove them from government.

Equality can also mean no special rights for anyone. Get the government out of the marriage business all together.

And most importantly to those citing God, the Bible or any religious works, you are looking at the wrong document. We have only one document that pertains to this situation and it's the US Constitution.
- John R, Keene

Brian from Farmington,

I'm afraid you've got things mistaken. A person having their own views astray from popular (albeit archaic) belief based on a lifetime of careful consideration and contemplation - and being true to ones self regardless of criticism can hardly be construed as shallow minded. It is in fact, by definition, the polar opposite.

The next time you try to insult someone you might want to actually understand the words your using. This is one of the biggest gripes I have with many of the devoutly religious folks I've met. They don't accept any alternative views and they are quick to condemn those who harbor such views. At least I'm accepting of all views even if I don't feel the same way.

As far as "the end" is concerned, you and I will be in the same place... in the ground rotting. Any afterlife would have nothing to do with god or religion but instead be based on the transference of energy from one state to another.

I understand that you don't agree with me and that's fine. I don't agree with you and I'm every bit as devout in my beliefs as you are. But at least I don't condemn those I disagree with. Don't feel sorry for me for having my own beliefs and sticking to them.
- Ben, Manchester

What's all that crap about the Bible and God? We live in a country with separation of Church and State. Anyway, the Bible says that slavery is OK (Leviticus 25:44-46 NLT) or killing women who are not virgins on their wedding night (Deuteronomy 22:20-21 NAB). Do you think that's right? So why should it matter what it says about marriage?
- Andrew, Manchester

The religious right picks and chooses which parts of the Bible they want to apply. And they choose based on which outsider group they would like to hate next. First, they emphasized slavery in the Bible when they wanted to hate black people. Now, they emphasize the parts condemning homosexuality so they can hate gay people.

They are completely and utterly disingenuous. They don't mean a word of it. They don't give a damn what the Bible says. They just want to use it as an instrument of hate.

The Bible says eating shellfish is an abomination. Yet there are no Red Lobster Amendments. The Bible says you shall not wear two different types of cloths at the same time. Yet there are no Propositions against cotton and wool combos.

The Bible says you should leave your family and join Jesus Christ. The religious right pretends that Jesus was about family values. He wanted you to abandon your family. Read the Bible.

The religious right pretends that the Bible says marriage is between one man and one woman. But that is a bald faced lie. Have any of these people ever read the Bible? The Bible is full of men taking on second wives, servants, prostitutes and concubines. And all the while, God heartily approves. How many wives did King David have? Eight? Twelve? Let alone his possibly gay lover, Jonathan.
- Scott L, Boston MA

I do not understand why so many insist that those of us who believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman and may also happen to be Christian, are automatically assumed to be gay-haters. I do not hate people just because they are gay, but I don’t believe that their union should be called a marriage. I’ve read the comments attached to this article, and let’s be honest: there were as many, or more, pro-gay-marriage belligerent comments, as there were for anti-gay-marriage. I see people who agree with pro-gay-marriage judging and putting down Christians because they don’t agree with Christian ethics. Isn’t that what these same people are accusing the Christians of doing?

I agree with Brandon LaRoche, Rollinsford re: what discrimination really is, and Kristin P., Derry re: marriage vs. civil unions, and Keith M., Manchester re: marriages coming from inside churches and not involving gov’t. Please reread these well-written, well-thought out, intelligent comments. Again, let’s be honest: gays want legal marriages so that their life style will be declared acceptable and normal, pure and simple. I also suspect that many of them will take that supposed legitimacy and rub it in the faces of those who believe it is not natural. I also believe that legislators are voting for gay marriage so that they can get the issue behind them, and to also win votes from as many different groups of people as possible. We won’t see the results of these marriages on families for at least several generations. I don’t hate gays, but I don’t agree that there should be legal gay marriage, and that if they don’t get it they are discriminated against.
- Penny, Epping

As a scientist, I have done my research, and here are the facts:

Being gay is not a lifestyle choice. It is a genetic trait, just the same as the color of your skin or hair. You can't change it. No one can. Therefore, to discriminate against anyone on the basis of their sexuality is just as bad as discriminating against their sex(gender) or race.

I think if everyone would try to put aside all their pre-concieved notions and stereotypes of gay/lesbian people, they would be able to think much more clearly.

What if it was your son or daughter who was gay? Does that make them any less of a person, and do you not wish them to have the same rights you do?

If you think it does, you should probably go see a therapist.
- Jenny, Terre Haute, IN

Jenny...

Well said.

I support, and my name is:
- Donna Raymond, Largo, FL

Marriage is a trademark and copyright of God that is thousands of years old. This is a massive breach of trademark and copyright. The "amendment" is as phony as the original clause along the same lines. This is a lace covered sledge hammer of the State to force the Church to go silent and to edit the Bible. This clause will eventually be removed and for now is a mere grain of sand beside the long dark chilling sickening shadow that this bill would cast if enacted. Where now the criers of separation of Church and State? If those claiming to be so creative are so creative, then why not come up with their own word if they don't like civil union? Stop stealing, please.
- Tony Fallon, Strafford

NH is not NH anymore. NH is now an arm of the Bay State. It's sad.
- G. Paul, Concord

Ben from Manchester - I feel sorry for you and the rest of the shallow-minded illusionaries. In the end, you will face the truth.
- Brian, Farmington

I think this is very sad for our state.

I would NEVER agree to this. The Bible Say's it is wrong and I don't care what religion you are!!!!!!!!!!!!! it's wrong wrong, wrong!! and God tells us what he is going to do with that, Just like Sodem and Gomorrah..read the Bible people. He doesn't play games with what he says he's going to do.


Marriage is between Man and WOMAN! and it will be the only way God will recognize a marriage.
- Connie, Concord NH

Brandon of Rollinsford, thank you for a very insightful email.
What troubles me is, that this issue of "gay marriage" in my opinion, is really not about the "right" of "gay" people to marry, it is about the legitimization of a alternative lifestyle. People of same sex have the right to marry in a civil ceremony just as people of opposite sexes do. What gay, lesbian, homosexual whatever you want to be called want is the legitimization of your lifestyle through legislation. You may succeed in making it legal through other than democratic means, you will not make it universally accepted. When people in the legislature introduce bills of sweeping social change without involving the populace they risk alienating the very people they are supposed to be serving. It would seem that the NH legislature has a platform that none of the citizens of NH has ever seen let along had a chance to discuss and endorse. In case you haven't noticed it yet, we'd really like you to resolve the education funding problem first and foremost and balance the budget too. To HELL with socialism.
- Sandy, Thornton

"That's it. I and my family are leaving before this place becomes any more of a Mass North hellhole. We're going to find a place that still has values.

You just lost another small business owner, NH. Enjoy your amoral socialism and welfare state.
- Jeff, Bedford" -- Histrionics and poppycock. You should move. Move to a place where your bigotry is embraced and celebrated. Where you can be free and unfettered to spread your message of intolerance. It is you who will be left behind, friend Jeff. The wheels of progress will turn without you, and more quickly with people of your ilk out of the way, or in the way and ending up greasing the tracks.
- Paul, Concord

There is a huge difference between a black woman marrying a white man and two people of the same sex being married. I don't care if it's a black woman and black woman, or a white woman and a white woman, or black man and a white man. Or a pokadot man and a striped man. Color does not matter. The SEX of the person is what matters. Marriage is between a man and a woman. PERIOD!
- Dave, Milford

"If they allow gays to marry then incest, prostitution, and polygamy should be legalized also. Immoral as they all may be what makes one ok and not the other?" -- Incest = illegal. Prostitution = illegal. Polygamy = mostly illegal. Homosexuality = Not Illegal. Homosexal mariage = legal in some states, more all the time. I would draw you a picture you could understand my my dog ate my crayons.
- Dorothy, Concord

"I think we all know in the Bible, it's written that marriage is strictly between a man and a woman. The Bible doesn't talk about discrimating against color, race, ethnicity but it does outlaw same sex marriages. I only know of one Holy Bible, yes it has many versions to it but it all has the same message. Marriage is between a man and a woman, period." Lies. Propaganda. Your bible is a Dr. Seuss book to me, KEEP IT OUT OF MY GOVERNMENT!
- Lenny, Manchester

There is nothing wrong with gays having civil unions and straight people being married. We are different and there's nothing wrong with that. If these damn liberals continue to get there way, little boys will be joining the girls scouts and brothers will be marrying their sisters, just so no one's feelings get hurt!
- George, Manchester

It's not about whether it's left wing or right wing. It's not about what your chosen god believes. It's not about whether it's a man and a man, a woman and a woman, or a man and a woman raising a family.

It's about equality, and that is all it is about.

BTW, I am gay, and have raised my three children well...their mother decided they were not important...I am open about my whole life to them, all my neighbors, friends, co-workers, family...what bothers me is that in 2009 we still have bigots out there. THAT should be a crime.

I am glad to see that the world is stopping this hate, and allowing me to marry the man of my choice to grow old with.

Thank you.
- Sven, Exeter, NH

It is always good to see the left attack God and demean those who believe in morals as Friends of Goebells. What is more surprising is that those making such statements are former members of the legislature, like the former member from Sandown.
Homosexuals have same protections under the law as anybody, no where does in the either the state constitution or federal constitution does it state that homosexuals either have less rights or have special rights. But hey welcome to the new New Hampshire where if you disagree with a liberal, you are a racist, homophobe bigot. We elected this insanity and we bring change back too. Be careful for what you ask for because you just might get it. TAKE BACK NH!
- Dean, Merrimack

Remove all government recognition of any type of marriage or civil unions. Confer no special governmental status on any couples.

Problem solved.
- John R, Keene

The only tradition this will further break is that of some folks thinking they are better than others. So be it.

The "sanctity of marriage" is very overrated expect on comment boards like these. It's generally busted up pretty well at some point by the two people in the marriage.
- Joan, Bedford

In response to all the heterophobia displayed on this board, let me say this: "Here's hoping they find a cure for homosexuality with embryonic stem cell research". And....when is the 1st gay marriage ceremony at that new mosque in Manchvegas?
- Milo, Derry

Time to vote out the pinhead legislators who think they are voting for what the people want and most people don't want gay marriage. The people should have their vote at the ballot box.
- don murphy, hooksett

Senate - veto this bill, please.

Real marriage was, is, and will always be between a man and a woman. Regardless if a law or someone says a woman and a woman are married, they won't be. Regardless if you call a man and a man married, they won't be. The color green will always be green, the sun will always be the sun, and male and female together will always make up a real marriage.

The discussion makes me think of George Orwell's novel 1984 and the explanation of "doublethink": “The power of holding two contradictory beliefs in one's mind simultaneously, and accepting both of them....To tell deliberate lies while genuinely believing in them, to forget any fact that has become inconvenient, and then, when it becomes necessary again, to draw it back from oblivion for just so long as it is needed, to deny the existence of objective reality and all the while to take account of the reality which one denies — all this is indispensably necessary. Even in using the word doublethink it is necessary to exercise doublethink. For by using the word one admits that one is tampering with reality; by a fresh act of doublethink one erases this knowledge; and so on indefinitely, with the lie always one leap ahead of the truth." There is an objective reality, and the passing of any law, or the voting down of one, won't change it one whit. Marriage = 1 man + 1 woman. Period.
- Dave, Northwood

Brandon LaRoche, of Rollinsford, I charge you with the most heinous of crimes aginst the people! You are guilty of the illegal use of 'Logic'. How do you plead sir?
- George Orwell III, London, England

Someone please void Keith M's marriage license - QUICKLY! Put his beautiful wife back on the dating scene! All kidding aside, marriage is a social contract in a society. Republicans (traditionally) have wanted to strengthen society and the bonds that lead to the creation of families. The religious aspects have been important too, but they are secondary, really, to building a civil society. Mr. M should read Edmund Burke and those of his ilk. They feared those who would tear down society to build something "new" in its place. The "small government" explanation is specious and is a smokescreen for the greater project of atomizing society down to each individual person's radical sovereignty. That, friends, is not rational, reasonable or even possible in a society. And Republicans used to know that. (I suspect some saying they are "R"s are really "L"s instead.)
- Stephen, Manchester

There are many gay/lesbian couples in committed lifelong relationships here in NH. And many families successfully headed by gay/lesbian parents. Discrimination has gone on to long and HB 436 would be a great step forward for NH.
- Meghan, Manchester

Let's go to the ballot vote people just like the MORAL people of California!!
- Tom,Manchester, Manchester, NH

As a scientist, I have done my research, and here are the facts:

Being gay is not a lifestyle choice. It is a genetic trait, just the same as the color of your skin or hair. You can't change it. No one can. Therefore, to discriminate against anyone on the basis of their sexuality is just as bad as discriminating against their sex(gender) or race.

I think if everyone would try to put aside all their pre-concieved notions and stereotypes of gay/lesbian people, they would be able to think much more clearly.

What if it was your son or daughter who was gay? Does that make them any less of a person, and do you not wish them to have the same rights you do?

If you think it does, you should probably go see a therapist.
- Jenny, Terre Haute, IN

Perhaps the most disconcerting thing about this piece of legislation is the fact that it radically changes the definition of what discrimination is. The rallying cry seems to have been that the current marriage laws "discriminate" against homosexuals. However, this begs the question, how are these individuals being discriminated against? The current laws apply equally to all. There is nothing currently stopping a homosexual from marrying someone of the opposite sex. Homosexuals are not treated differently; they are treated like everyone else under the law. Someone who is a homosexual has as much right to marry as someone who is a heterosexual. Discrimination would exist only if, based on one’s sexual preference, they were denied the ability to marry altogether. By marry, I mean a union between a man and woman. In other words, it would only be discrimination if the state refused to allow someone to marry because they are a homosexual. Some individuals have even gone as far as to suggest that this bill is the equivalent of the civil rights act. This argument trivializes the horror and true discrimination that individuals of color have gone through. Discrimination exists when the laws do not apply equally to all based on a trait that one possesses. Discrimination based on physical characteristics is wrong; individuals have no control over those variables. However, society can and does differentiate based on behavior. To differentiate someone based on their behavior is not discrimination. All types of behavior are not of equal worth. And this is the point, society chooses which behaviors are detrimental to the greater good and outlaws them, but it also decides which behaviors are beneficial and actively promotes them. However, the point in question is not whether prohibiting gay marriage is discrimination, it isn’t, but the real issue that should be resolved, is whether the State should be in the marriage business at all.
- Brandon LaRoche, Rollinsford

If I have to endure any more ranting from the "It's immoral and it's perverted, for the bible tells me so" crowd I think my ears will start bleeding!

Can one of you obviously goose-stepping, FOG's (friends of Goebbels) tell me how, exactly, a same-sex marriage somehow lessens your own marriage?

You want to protect marriage? Outlaw Divorce! How many of you ranters had pre-marital relations? How many of you have lied, even a little white lie, in your lifetime? How many cheated on an exam as a young kid in school, or took a few bucks from your mom's purse?

SINNERS! You've broken at least half of the most "sacred" laws of your make-believe religions - but thats ok -

There's a new church opening up in New Hampshire for you folks - Our Lady of Convenient Morality!
- Corey, Sandown

I think we all know in the Bible, it's written that marriage is strictly between a man and a woman. The Bible doesn't talk about discrimating against color, race, ethnicity but it does outlaw same sex marriages. I only know of one Holy Bible, yes it has many versions to it but it all has the same message. Marriage is between a man and a woman, period. I believe if the Episcipalian Church allows openly gay clergy and preach from the Bible, for that to be contridictive. I have nothing against other religions mind you, I just can't understand where the Episcipalians are coming from.

My last point is whether you choose to get married or civil union is your choice. Don't call them the same thing. Civil unions provide legal rights but that should be all. Isn't that what gays and lesbians believe they are entitled to? Civil Unions is not marriage. It never should be, who are we to change the laws of the bible? We're not! This country was founded on Christian beliefs...it's on our currency "In God We Trust"....this whole thing of calling civil unions marriage, is wrong and if it passes, I'd like to personally know who passed it in the house and senate so I make sure I don't help them get re-elected. I ask those with similar views like mine to do the same.
- Kristin P, Derry, NH

To clarify for Mike.... When I say "the church" I mean all churches. Christianity is BS, Satanism is BS, Judaism is BS, they are all BS. There is no god, no satan.... only the will of man and our nature as animals which is erratic and uneven at best. Human nature and it's imperfections are not "sins".

And to clarify further I have no "hatred" towards "the church". I have no hate towards any groups no matter how misguided they might be. I do, however, find them to be phony, hypocritical institutions that use fear to gain power and wealth. That's not to say that there are no genuine, kind, loving people involved. But, they are mostly filled with people who judge those who don't hold the same beliefs and values such as is evident by the stance on homosexuality. That is not loving behavior. There have been more wars and killing in the name of god that for any other reason in the history of mankind.

I do believe that everyone has their right to practice religion and believe as they will and I don't judge that. I just don't agree in the slightest. And if you want conclusive evidence that homosexuality is a natural born trait then show me conclusive evidence of god... or heaven. There is none. There is only nature. What lays beyond is simply unknown.

If I were to believe the bible then I may as well find great comfort by other fairy tales as well. Humpty Dumpty is great. The only positive about religion is that it brings comfort to a great many people. However, it's sad that people are so weak that they require such a crutch. We control our own fate.... god will not save us from ourselves. Only we have that power.

The saddest, and final part of my tirade, is that children are brought up brainwashed with all this nonsense instead of allowing them to make up their own minds on what they believe. For me, I was given that choice, I tried different churches, different religions and none made any sense to me. I purely believe in being decent and honest to all mankind regardless or race, religion, beliefs or sexual preference.
- Ben, Manchester

Opponents say allowing gay marriage will "cheapen" marriage. Aside from insulting people who are gay and entitled to the same civil liberties as anyone else (even VP Cheney once said, regarding his lesbian daughter's wanting to marry, that freedom means freedom), what does that mean? We already have months and years' experience of our neighbors Massachusetts and Connecticut allowing gay marriage, and how has that "cheapened" anyone else's marriage there? Whether or not your church's opinion allows marriage within it, you still have to go down to Town Hall and get a civil marriage license, and as long as that's the basic requirement, a church's opinion has no priority whatsoever.

New Hampshire should reclaim its tradition of strongly fostering Liberty and not allow any religious opinion, which is no more privileged than any other person's ethical opinion, to dominate a decision about human rights. It's not "gay" rights, it's Human Rights.
- Marty, Brentwood

Honey, I like our marriage license. Thanks. :)
- kelleigh Murphy, Manchester, nh

Ah yes, Live free or die...unless its something I don't agree with.
- anna lee, manchester

To Kelleigh Murphy, I do not support gay marriage and I am far from being a bigot. That kind of closed mindness on your part explains exactly why you are a Democrat, if others don't support your ideas, then they are a bigot. We heard the same crap when Obama was running, if you don't vote for him, then you must be a racist.

Why don't you stick to something that you're good at, like cancelling alderman meetings so that you can do something more important like handing out green beer.
- Scott, Pembroke

I'm tired of the constant attack on traditional marriage. Marriage should only be between one man and one woman. The couple should be committed to one another, and divorce only an option in the most rare of circumstances. Too many people take this union for granted. They rush into it without understanding the seriousness of the commitment, and that is why our divorce rate is what it is. Now, because of these transgressions, proponents of gay marriage point to "straight" marriages and proclaim that they have just as much right to be miserable as any other married couple. How incredibly sad. The logic is completely wrong; the solution lies not in "we all deserve to be miserable" but in "we should recommit to fidelity and respect of our marriage vows."

The world will become a better place if more people lead their lives with morality as their compass.
- Lauren, Derry

I am a very active Republican, and my stance on this issue is consistent with my small-government principles. I find it ridiculous that any of us must ask for a license to get married. Marriage should return to being a private ceremony between two people, their family and friends, and should they choose, their God. It's not any business of the state if two people get married, regardless of race or gender.

Let's just get rid of the marriage license altogether, and if two guys or two women want to call their relationship a marriage and exchange rings in their backyard or an accommodating church, it's none of my business. As a Republican, I look for logical consistency. And there's no consistency in telling the government to stay out of my business, except for defining who I may or may not marry.
- Keith M., Manchester

I knew the "Civil Union" issue was a plan to eventually get this "Gay Marriage" bill going & passed. It was planned to "soften" people up to the idea of gay marriage.

What is going on? What happened to morals. Why is it a very liberal state like Vermont it will veto its gay marriage bill.

And don't start this issue of racism or bigotry. It's a crazy excuse. I have gay friends & family but I don't have to agree with this issue. Just what is happening to traditional marriage between man & woman. I was fine with the civil union because of legal issues between partners but this turns our beliefs upside down.

Say what you like, but I don't have to change because the minority are finding ways to make the changes. Let's vote them the hell out!
- Dave, Manchester

Now we can put wedding chapels in the rest areas too!
- Biff, Canterbury

Tom from Bedford: lol...yours is by far the smartest comment I have ever read on this site! Marry me, Tom!
And, oh, yeah, the article: good job, NH legislators, on making the right decision, despite the loud minority of homophobes in this state.
To all of you gay & lesbian couples out there: Mazal tov! Invite Tom & me to the ceremony!
- Kathy, Manchester

FINALLY!!!!! Congratulations on this historic achievement. It's too bad that some of the closed-minded comments are putting a damper on this moment. That kind of hateful attitude toward same sex relations was why I became a Democrat in the first place.
- Kelleigh Murphy, Manchester, NH

A wonderful day in NH history!

I live in the mystical land where gay marriage is legal and a civil right. Gay couples get married (and divorced) freely here in Massachusetts. Amazing that our state economy has not yet collapsed, our children have not all been corrupted, and life continues as normal. Imagine that!

Don't like gay marriage? Don't get one!
- Joshua, Boston, MA

As I read through some of these thought's I wonder if we will thnk the same way when a bill for leagalizing heroin comes up. I mean what a person does in there own house is up to them right. I have to believe that John Stark would roll in his grave if he heard "live free or die" attached to this argument.
- Jim, Weare

This state should be full of strong, proud people, who should embrace the progress forward into the future, and not those who are afraid of change and what MIGHT occur. Move ahead from the 'olden days' and move forward. Those that are afraid of gay marraige, you should move out. this is live free or die, not live up to a standard of which the bible humping people preach we should.
- dan, durham

- steve boyington, Chester

apparently, you don't know what pursuit means as it is more than apparent that you feel that our government gives us the right to be happy.

you do have the RIGHT to pursue happiness; however, it is not granted to you by the government (unless you're a liberal on welfare!).
- scott, chichester

Here you see the liberal agenda. They could have gone to MA and gotten married. It's right across the border.

But they will not be satisfied until EVERYPLACE suits their agenda and lifestyle. They can't leave any refuges for those who think otherwise, anywhere. They have to eliminate them all.

Gun laws are next. Just watch.
- Mike R., Bedford

I'm not sure why this is even an issue. The fact that the government has, for this long, prevented two adults from entering into a contract is appalling. Anyone who appreciates this states ethos of self sufficiency should applaud this ruling. I'm saddened that the Republican party has taken a Southern approach to legislating morality instead of working to guarantee the rights of individuals to make their own choices.
- Jackson, New London

Life. Liberty. Pursuit of happiness. Pretty simple, eh?
- steve boyington, Chester

Now we're the pink state... What a terrible law to be passed. I think this is disgusting and is immoral. What a disgrace; I wish we could get back to our redneck roots and end this junk once and for all.
- Buster Highman, Manchester

The amoral arguments for gay marriage are sickening to me. Giving state sanction to gay sexual practices is immoral and disgraceful.

Saying "Who cares?" is not the whine that should be coming from an electorate that cares about the quality of life in this society. The walls of decency, honor, and truth are falling all around us, and many "economitarians" in the legislature who claim to be republicans are voting along with the ultra-liberals to destroy any semblance of decency. What a horrible day in our history!!!
- Michael J., Manchester

Not the will of the people. Time to clean house at the State House and get these clowns out! Stand tall at the next election!
- Dave, Kingston

This bill is an amazing step forward, and I was thrilled upon reading this article, but when I read some of these comments I realize how ignorant some people are.

By comparing prostitution and incest with homosexuality is completely offensive and in no way are these similar! Also, anyone willing to make the claim that being gay is a life choice needs to think a little.

I am really proud of NH right now. This is an amazing step forward, I just wish people weren't hateful and dumb. People need to realize the facts and become more accepting of one and other.
- Dalton, Woodstock

I believe you have the wrong HB listed, it's not HB 0556 (death penalty) but HB 0436.

*** Editor's note: The error has been fixed. ***
- Kysa Crusco, Manchester, NH

David, etal. - Allow me to allay your fears - Gay Marriage is not mandatory.

Gays - Allow me to allay YOUR fears - you will not be forced to marry Dave.
- Tom, Bedford

Does anyone really care?

Honestly?

I think we all have a lot of issues facing ourselves and our families to really be sitting around b*tching about this bill. Get lives.
- Dan, Londonderry

Those of you opposed to gay marriage are sad.
People are born gay. marriage is NOT solely a religious event these days, no matter where it started marriage has implications that go far beyond religion these days. If you are married(hetero) by a justice of the peace and do not believe in organized religion you are still married, Sorry. Marriage and religion are not married to each other anymore.

This is an issue similar to slavery. Obviously we should not descriminate against people that are born a cetain way and if you believe otherwise you are completely ignorant.
Maybe the US should ban all 10 year plus NH residents from having guns because they are born in NH. That would be just as stupid as denying homosexuals the right to marry.
The complete and utter ignorance shown on this board is disgusting. Hating people and treating them as immoral because of how they are born(race, sexual preference etc..) is absolutely a sign we have a long way to go as a society.
- Kevin, Derry NH

Rick, Lee

While I respect your opinion, your comment that assumes AIDS is directly all related to homosexuals is off base.

I work in a medical profession that deals directly with patients suffering with HIV and have worked in many states...and out of every 10 patients, half or less are homosexuals. A large majority of the disease is spread by people who don't have the correct education or are just not thinking and lay down with someone who has deceived them.

While I do not personally agree with homosexuality, to point the finger at them like they've the number 1 spreader of AIDS is incredibly ignorant. That's a fear that many homophobic people carry.
- J.N.M, Manchester

Lawyers support gay marriage because it is more money in their pockets when they get divorced. Welcome to our heterosexual hell. Luckily most of them will not have kids and child support to fight over. From a legal perspective it makes sense, but from a moral perspective I am completely appalled. Luckily we can still replace the state government, legally, if they get too out of control. Why do the rest of us who wish to have some standards have to tolerate this stuff. I really take offense to the re-defining of something as fundamental as marriage and family.
- Marc, Mason

To Rick in Lee.....you mentioned "you who are praising this I hope you are OK with your children seeing same sex couples having public displays of affection?"

Do you really think that if gay marriage was allowed, then all of a sudden gay couples will just start making out and other things on park benches? These people are already gay whether they are married or not, a marriage law is not going to change them or who they choose as a partner. Where are all of you "Live Free or Die" supporters when it comes to marijuana, seatbelts, guns and other laws?
- Kim, Conway

It's about time!
I have long felt that the perceived definition (between a man & woman for procreation) was a religious definition upheld by the government in a country where we are supposed to be for religious freedom.
I am a heterosexual woman who is not threatened by those who are different from myself. I do not equate homosexuals with child molesters, or sheep molesters for that matter Bill. I can't believe you speak that way - let alone THINK that way. It's attitudes like yours that do the real harm to our children!
- Catherine, Manchester, NH

You can not compare incest to homosexual unions what so ever. Incest in many cases happens with children who don't have a real voice to stand up for themselves and are taken advantage of. That's just sick.

As far as I'm concerned, I think prostitution should be legal. It's a business transaction between two consenting people. Who are we to tell them they can't do that? And as far as disease and all the other worries...those are the same things we have to worry about just as much within our heterosexual counterparts, especially the younger generation.

I too agree that this is a waste of time. If NH wants to pass the right to legal civil union, than fine. I will not stand in the way of two people who want to publically and legally commit to eachother. But to change marriage as if it's just a term, it seems to be more of a religious thing and homosexuals wanting to marry is against the majority of religions. Allt his whoopla over a word. As long as they get the same rights financially and in every other aspect (legal rights, insurance ect), than why do we really need to argue over a damn word?
- Dan, Derry

Great job NH... I think the live free or die motto of NH is lived everyday. I feel people are not threatened by who I am and who I love. As far as a choice to be gay, well we wall know that it is not a choice. Otherwise I would be heterosexual with a large family. Why would I choose a life that has taken me decades to get some of the rights we have now... wake up people. We are all different... let not judge but live!
- Sam D, Hopkinton

John from Nashua said: "What you do in your bedroom should stay in your bedroom."
However, I suspect he meant it as an argument AGAINST gay marriage. Instead he made an argument for it. Why should the government be legislating whether two consenting adults can have a legally binding relationship? As long as the appropriate taxes get paid, it's really none of the governments business.

I am a white, married, Republican leaning conservative male in my 40s. Even I think that this whole discussion is ludicrous. Just legalize it and move on -- there are so many more important things to be spending time, money and effort on.
- J, Londonderry

That's it. I and my family are leaving before this place becomes any more of a Mass North hellhole. We're going to find a place that still has values.

You just lost another small business owner, NH. Enjoy your amoral socialism and welfare state.
- Jeff, Bedford

John Sununu derides the "San Francisco agenda" of the Dems. I would rather be aligned with San Francisco than his DC fat cats. At least my taxes would go to a liberal agenda for everyone rather than just bonuses for corporate greed.
- Will S, Northwood

Pathetic...

...interesting what the liberals chose to focus on at these times.
- Marc, Weare

Well its about time for equal and justice for all. I was rasied in NH, and moved west to be free from the hate.

But wait I need your vote. it is amazing when some candidate runs for office and calls and knocks and send info to vote for them. So remember candidates of NH offices equal rights for all ,not just for the ones you need to make office.
- Robbin Patten, Fresno, CA

The village called, it's missing a bunch of bigot idiots. It's 2009 folks. Big Daddy Sununu of the GOP is a moron. For him to use a term like "San Francisco Agenda" just shows how long he's been out of the loop.
- Jamie, Manchester, NH

Comments on both sides of the arguement are funny and crack me up. This has nothing to do about being "equal" and loving each other, this is all about asset & property rights. Civil unions do not allow asset tranfers to the partner in the event of death as the deceased family has the legal right to take everything of the deceased partner. As one poster commented, the first gay marriage in MA has ended up in divorce. It would be interesting to see who got what in the divorce decree. The only ones that will benefit from this are the bottom feeding lawyers.
- Alex K., Deering, NH

Why should a state professing to believe in freedom of religion force a pro-homosexual ethic down the throat of people who believe it is immoral? The state has repealed sodomy laws to accommodate this growing minority. Nothing more is needed to prove that our society is NOT FORCING its traditional anti-homosexuality ethic on the people who believe gay is okay.

The Episcopals have been performing marriage ceremonies for homosexuals for decades and no one said boo. Places like Providence and San Francisco have had their gay pride reputation and no one goes out of their way to attack the lifestyles going on there. If this were about hatred and bigotry people would be attacking those institutions and places. Instead we are clearly defending the ethics and values of our society from the coordinated rainbow coalition assault.

Next people are going to be demanding marriage licenses for consensual incest, polygamy and swing partners (inter-marriage of multiple men and women). Just because something is consensual doesn’t make it moral or beneficial!

The existing NH Civil Unions bill is too pro-homosexuality and needs to be made more general or repealed.
- Jim, Manchester

What happened to being proud to live in NH because it was set apart from our liberal neighbors? Gay marriage, seat belt laws, new taxes on top of higher existing taxes??? Next they will enforce gun laws like MA and give us GPS devises to track how many miles we drive in our cars so they can tax us on that too. I would say Texas and Arizona arent the only states with people crossing their borders and changing things in a negative way. Maybe its time for a take back NH campaign like VT had a few years back, only lets make sure ours succeeds.
- Andy, Keene

I am so excited for our state. We have progressed so much in the years! This is just another step towards a better and happy life for everyone. Anyone who has anything negative to say you are discriminating, and it is really truly terrible.

"All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression."

- Thomas Jefferson
- Lindsay Kelley, Manchester NH

and you all wonder why we cannot stop AIDS in this country. This is the most absurd thing I have ever seen a state vote on. this is not a live free or die issue, you who are praising this I hope you are OK with your children seeing same sex couples having public displays of affection? get real, it is just plain wrong..
- rick, lee

I have to comment on Ben's hatred towards "The Church". When you say "the church" is corrupt and poisons it's members with greed and hate, which church are you talking about?

That means a lot of different things to different people. You are quite a ways off from any Bible believing Christian church I have ever been into. They are filled with loving people who all know they are sinners and who all know the only reason they are Heaven bound is because of God's grace displayed through his son, Jesus.

Also you said that Marriage is religious but Civil unions are from the state. So then why redefine marriage? There was already plenty of equal rights to marriage, any adult who wished to find someone who qualified per the statute could find that someone and get married. This is not the same thing as not allowing a minority to marry a non-minority. Minorities don't choose their racial makeup and the Bible makes it very clear that we are all created equal in God's eyes. So far I have yet to see any conclusive evidence that proves homosexuality is a trait one is born into.

I am hoping our Senate does the right thing and Gov. Lynch vetoes. Groups like Human Rights Commission are probably not even satisfied with this bill. I mean it allows a Pastor or Priest to decline to do a ceremony. How hateful is that? HRC would much rather see the church lose their tax exempt status or see a Pastor in jail then just allow them to opt out. We'll see that change in the coming years if this becomes law.
- Mike W, Milton, NH

Good for us! Welcome to the 21st century NH. It doesn't hurt me so why should I care. Everyone deserves to be happy.
- LAS, Manchester, NH

There is a reason I choose to live in a state whose motto is "Live Free or Die"... I believe it. I believe it across the board: from seat belts to marriage. I choose not to be hypocritical in my beliefs (I won't mention any names here, Phil from Northfield).

Horray Reps.! Good job today, a victory for what NH has always SAID it stands for!
- Kelly, Bristol, NH

John from Nashua,

Apparently you made a choice to be heterosexual instead of homosexual, 50-50 option, guess it could have gone either way for you. I imagine those who "choose" to be gay do so knowing that the world is full of intolerance, ignorance and for too many judgemental individuals. A most difficult "choice", guess only some can handle the hard road in life. Until we can all learn to be accepting of those we deem different and live together looking at each other as a whole and not a portion there can never be world peace. Live and let live.
- Laura, Weare, NH

One can only hope this lunacy will be vetoed. The moonbats are trying to get New Hampshire into the same category as Massachusetts and San Fransisco. If the natives and long time residence of this state were polled, I would bet money that this would not be the company they would want to keep. For those who cry equal rights, the homosexuals and lesbians already have equal rights. They can marry a member of the opposite sex. Two people of the same sex being married is not normal..... yes I said not normal. This has been the case since long before any one alive today was born. A man and a woman..... those are two ingredients needed for procreation, without which, the human race would be no more. Societies through out history have realized this, but in our state, the moonbats don`t seem to have the intellectual capacity to get it. This is but another example of the damage our infestation of Massachusetts moonbats is doing to New Hampshire.
- Vic, Derry

Hurray! It is a great day for New Hampshire! Kudos to all the legislators who voted for this.

In all the comments threads, a lot of commenters seem to argue that gay couples' sexual practices are "deviant" or "disgusting." But in the "Live Free or Die" state, it seems just plain wrong for people to work themselves into a tizzy about their neighbors' bedroom practices. I don't think it is anyone's business what another couple does in the bedroom.
- Tina, Bedford

I don't care who gets married, as long as it isn't me!
- Brian, Manchester

It is time for people to realize that we are at war. These liberals will not rest until our entire way of life is totally destroyed - which is clearly their goal. There is nothing they will not meddle in- our rights and freedoms are no longer secure. We are being attacked at the federal and state levels and we need to vigorously fight back! Our country and its way of life are at great risk. Unless we bombard every liberal legislator with our outrage constantly, they will not heed us. The will of the people has been ignored far to long and we need to speak up and hold these nitwits accountable. Act now!
- Bill, Auburn

Outrageous and unnecessary. They don't have time to balance the budget but they have time to do this?

An obscene demonstration of how skewed the priorities of Democrats are. There will be a lot of angry people going to the polls in November 2010.
- Tom, Campton

To answer the question posed by Phil Hubbard of Northfield, which is:

"How do you people who voted for Democrats at the local level feel now?"

I could not feel more proud to have voted for Democrats at the local level than I do now. By rejecting the fear and hate which so often clouds these issues, and standing up for compassion, equal rights, and true family values, they are doing exactly what we hoped for when we voted them into the majority. My Democratic representatives will have my enthusiastic support in the next election.
- Dan, Manchester

Their are more important things to lose sleep over, such as paying bills and the economy...I'm more concerned about my personal well being, not someone else...let's not get to involved with someone else's business, yeah? If you enjoy knowing details about someone other then yourself, I suggest watching reality TV..(kardashians, etc.)
- Conway, Newmarket, NH

Many of you who oppose this law make it seem like that if gay marriage is not allowed, then everyone is going to turn straight. Take a look around, "gay marriage" is around whether you know it or not. Just because a law is passed to allow marriage, does not mean that gay couples are going to "come out of the bedroom" and oppose their views and lifestyles on you. A marriage is between two people and does not effect anyone else. Those of you who feel that this would take away from the meaning of marriage, I would ask how many of you are divorced or on multiple marriages?
- frank, Gilford

Change is on its way for NH, bringing civil and social hustice to all! It's great to see the ignorant ideas about what marriage and equality should be is finally dying out with the older generation in this state.
- Matt, Manchester

I'm with Scott from Salem that believes ALL marriages looked at by the government should be Civil Unions. Marriage should be kept separate for religious purposes only.

And as far as Steve from Dublin comment

"Glad they are tackling the important issues while the economy crumbles and state budget deficit grows."

I don't know what you expect a newspaper to print. Just one subject and the heck with what else is going on around you. Get real. We need to know about as much of what is going on that affects us and not keep hearing just one issue, how we are tanking financially.
- Dick, Goffstown

Actually Tim 186 votes out of 365 is a majority. Instead of whining about where people moved here from, maybe you should look up the definition of majority.
- Jim Wilson, Manchester

"The final vote followed a 193-182 vote against passing the bill..."

This is incorrect. The vote was actually 183-182, a margin of exactly one vote. Thus, a few votes later, a net of four reps switched their votes from Nay to Yea. My guess is that they were among those who had, with Rep. DiFruscia, hoped to table the bill to work on it a little bit more, but who would rather see it pass as it was than fail altogether. Good for them.

*** Editor's note: The typo has been fixed. Thanks. ***
- TC, Canterbury

Leaves little doubt that NH is now a blue state. Well done!
- Lucy J., Manchester

How do you people who voted for Democrats at the local level feel now? They are shoving seat belt laws, gay marriage and eventually a new tax down our throats as we speak. This is getting a little ridiculous. Now does everyone understand why we were a conservative state until recently? The state with the second lowest tax burden and lowest crime rates? Because we took care of people who worked, didn't coddle welfare malingerers and we had a death penalty deterrent. Wise up folks. That's right, the Dems are even trying to get rid of the death penalty. The worst is yet to come.
- Phil Hubbard, Northfield, NH

this is wacked out this is not the majority talking.with so many people moving here from mass.and n.y. this state is nothing more than a new mass.people move to get out of the getto and bring the getto with them.what a joke
- tim bourgeois, weare

David, your analogy is ridiculous. A man and a sheep? Yes, it's supposed to be between two parties.... two consenting parties. I highly doubt a sheep could consent.

Don't get me wrong. I'm a straight, married white guy in his thirties. Honestly, many gay people irritate me with their flamboyance and their sexual ideas are nasty. But my dislike for their lifestyle doesn't give me.... or any of us... the right to say they can't marry.

The idea of redefining marriage is kind of crazy too if you think about it. It's really only a matter of semantics. If it's church sanctioned it's marriage, if it's state sanctioned it's a civil union. C'mon.... There is no god, religion is a scam, the church is corrupt and poisons it's followers by spewing nothing but lies and greed. Marriage is a civil union is a marriage. It's all the same. Commitment between two people.
- Ben, Manchester

Bill,

"If they allow gays to marry then incest, prostitution, and polygamy should be legalized also. Immoral as they all may be what makes one ok and not the other?"

First of all, morality is subjective. Though it is clear that there are some obvious universal rules on morality (don't steal, don't lie, don't kill), there are many more issues that lie in gray areas.

For example, some might argue that prostitution is not immoral. They might assert that it is a business transaction between two consenting adults that, for the sake of money, might not be doing anything immoral.

The comparison of gay marriage to polygamy or incest is not apt. By definition, gay marriage represents the union of two unrelated people, not a union of more than two people. Incest and polygamy are certainly considered immoral in our society and the former is certainly ill advised for sound genetic reasoning as well.

What makes gay marriage okay, you ask?

It is okay because is allows two people who love each other to enforce that bond through a binding and legal contract.

It is okay because it allows a partner to sit at the death bed of a dying loving one when hospitals only allow family members.

It is okay because it allows a person to include their loved one on their insurance policies and it eases estate management.

Most of all, it is okay because there is no logical reason for it not to be okay.


I'm not gay, but I really don't see how the marriage of gays adversely affects me or anyone else.
- Dan, Auburn

Wow! What happened to New Hampshire? Spineless Legislators influenced by a radical homosexuals with a much bigger agenda. We used to laugh at states like Mass. and Vermont, now we are one.
- Dan, Manchester

Your comparison of gay marriage to incest, prostitution and polygamy is really over-reaching. They are nothing alike.

I personally have no opinion on this matter. I was raised Catholic and I know what the Church teaches on this subject. I also know that back when the original laws of this Country were imposed, they were based on some Christian belief system, and that's fine. It's fine because there was an understanding that religious beliefs and morals would be used for such things.

Now however, our government preaches separation of church and state.

So now, in a country where government is overly concerned about offending people coming to our country from elsewhere in the world, concerned to the point where they no longer allow prayer in school and some schools have foregone the time-honored tradition of saying the Pledge of Allegiance because it says God, and people complain about our money because it says God, we are going to impose restrictions on marriage based on religious beliefs and teachings of immorality relative to same sex marriage.

Make up your mind. It's okay to offend our gay community but it's not okay to offend someone from some other country who doesn't like what our Nation was FOUNDED upon? Church and state are either separate or they aren't. It's not a selective process where we should be choosing when to impose religious beliefs and when not to. If you're going to base law on perceived morality, base ALL law on it.

If you're going to say gays cannot marry because it's immoral (basically as taught by the Church), and you're going to bring Church back into State decisions, make it uniform.

Besides, why shouldn't gays marry? They should be permitted to experience the same misery as heterosexual couples.
- Melanie, Manchester

Jim Douglas in VT said he would veto Gay Marriage if it passed the legislature ( wow...there's a stretch in the land that makes Massachusetts look conservative ), so what say you Governor Lynch? It seems from the vote that a veto would not be overridden, unles in the meantime some campaign contributions were made. How does it fail on the first vote and then pass when reconsidered in the same session. Someone got support for something they wanted.

Just remember all you elected "representatives", we are keeping track and election day is not that far away.
- Steve, Derry

If the anti-monogamy forces on the fundamentalist right could find some of that pesky stuff called evidence to indicate that gay marriage has had any net negative effects in, say, Canada or Massachusetts, then I might be inclined to give anything they say the slightest bit of credence. But seeing as how civilization has not, in fact, suffered in any of the places where gay marriage has been implemented, I don't find their arguments persuasive in the least. Argue based on facts, not homophobia.
- Peter, Canterbury

David from Bedford, perhaps you should brush up on your history. Until quite recently, marriage was defined in many places to be not only between one man and one woman, but that they had to be of the same race. Marriage laws have also disallowed the rights of the woman in a marriage in the past. The idea that marriage is an unchanging institution is foolish and inaccurate. Yes, this changes the legal definition of marriage, but laws evolve, and there is nothing unusual in this.
- Michael Bellefeuille, Bedford, NH

With all the problems this state is facing the House still has time to ram through a liberal agenda. Two years ago the first thing the democratically controlled legislature did was to pass civil unions. Thanks to the Portsmouth legislative contingent who have decided to make gay marriage their priority for the State of New Hampshire. God help us all!
- Robert, Portsmouth

Well put, Jennifer. The intolerance to difference has to stop.

Bill, I don't think I've heard anything more ignorant in a long time. Incest is illegal at least in part because there are serious health and mental issues that can result from the act.

Prostitution is illegal because of the potential spread of disease and what it would do to the safety of our streets. Do you want pimps and diseased women running wild?

Polygamy is more difficult. It's possibly a law based on religious teachings which, being a devout and proud atheist, I completely disagree with. Maybe it should be legal. If it's not hurting anyone else then why not?

What does gay marriage hurt? Who does it hurt? Nobody. It's a showing of commitment between two private citizens. I don't care about the whole god/bible/religious aspect of this. Plenty of people get married in completely non-religious ceremonies and you don't here anyone complaining about those. Those marriages are still just as valid in the eyes of the law and after all this is about the law. Religion has no place in it. Remember separation of church and state?

Closed minded self interest is pathetic.
- Ben, Manchester

Glad they are tackling the important issues while the economy crumbles and state budget defict grows.
- Steve, Dublin

Jennifer from Virginia,
The issue is it legitimizes a sexual preference, one that many people find morally unacceptable. Being 'gay' is not the same as being 'black'. It is a lifestyle choice only. It is NOT a civil rights issue. What you do in your bedroom should stay in your bedroom.
- john, nashua

It wasn't long before some liberal brought forth the term "intolerant". It's common sense, these are two women or two men, they are homosexuals. They cannot be married unless you change the definition of marriage.

So Jennifer from Virginia Beach, since you are so tolerant I can assume you are all for legalizing polygamy and the marriage between a man and a sheep? Hey it's between the parties involved right? Now remember ... be tolerant. What a joke.
- David, Bedford

I agree Bill, though I suspect that your comment was tongue in cheek -- the government has no business legislating morality.
- Ben, Manchester

The problem here is that the term marriage is based on a religious idea, and it not the government's job to decide whether gay marriage should be allowed, that decision should be left solely up to religious institutions, who largely agree that it is forbidden. The state does however have the right to allow civil unions, and if these unions extend the same rights as a legal marriage, then why would gay couples have any reason to complain? That's what I don't get. A "legal marriage" that is approved by the government is essentially just a civil union, no matter if the couple is homo- or heterosexual, this union has nothing to do with God unless a couple is also married by a religious authority in a religious institution.
- Christy, Concord

i vote no!! and yes, barney frank, i am a homophobe!!!
- fpc, manchester

When will people look in the mirror to see their own imperfections to change before they point fingers and judge others? Are all the morally religous ready to be so harshly judged as they do others? I hear and see an aweful lot of "HATE" spewing forth from these "moral" and " religous" folk!
It's interesting to see perposterous assumptions made of gay people about making a mockery of marriage. Don't you think the "straight" population have already done enough damage in this arena....they are as capable as any to neglect their children, harm the ones they "love", marry for the fun of it, and divorce when it suits. Lets not have the pots calling the kettles black!
- Laurie, Enfield

I believe in equality for all and this is a step in that direction.

There are way more important things we should be concerned with than if gays can marry.

Good for our state in moving this legislation forward.
- Dan, Rochester, NH

If they allow gays to marry then incest, prostitution, and polygamy should be legalized also. Immoral as they all may be what makes one ok and not the other?
- Bill, Manchester

The time is NEVER "right" for altering the definition of marriage to include homosexuals. Make them keep their sick practices in the closet.
- David, Bedford

The time is never right for this to be voted on.
- Brad, Goffstown

I'll never understand the arguments against Gay marriage. The only people involved in a marriage are the couple. To say that one or several OTHER couple's marriage, cheapens your own is...well, focusing too much outside your own pasture.

Think about it. If your marriage would be cheapened by something as simple as another person's marriage, then how strong is your marriage anyway? If marriage is succeptible to intolerance on any level, it can't be that strong of an institution. "Til death do us part" shouldn't be changed to "Til death do us part unless this happens".

Let's hope New Hampshire moves itself into the 21st century and for better or worse the people along with it.
- Jennifer, Virginia Beach

As a heterosexual-married male, the fuss over this law seems ridiculous to me. If two people who wish to legalize their union and live a monogamous lifestyle should have every right to marry. Marriage is something ordained by the church, but by government standards, all a marriage is, is a civil union of assets and legal rights between a couple.

Maybe it would be better to label ALL unions, civil unions and the word marriage as a blessing by the church. I was married by a justice of the peace, a civil servant, so I consider my marriage a civil union, recognised by the government for tax, asset and healthcare sharing, along with other legal rights. It was not blessed or ordained by the church, but done as required by government to secure certain legal and financial rights as a couple.
- Scott-NH, Salem