YOUR COMMENTS

i agree with Tom, compton
"What is the difference between civil unions and civil marriage? One word: marriage."...

well, all the heterosexuals that have been married by a JP, that place a mask of God over their union - they can have what we HOMOSEXUALS have: a Civil Union....

or will you throw up your hetero arms in protest because we are taking away your civil right?...
- Michael, manchester, nh

Religious beliefs are just that-beliefs. There are many religions that support gay marriage, including mainstream Christian religions. Denying someone legal status because they are gay is not a religious belief. That's just plain old discrimination dressed up as "God." I wouldn't be so arrogant to presume to know what God feels, or that my interpretation of the Bible is the only accurate and true way of looking at things.
- Jake, Nashua

So get off your soap box for a moment and please stop trying to point fingers saying " Well they started it " or "Well its their fault!"
- Chris, Goffstown

Well someone started it Chris. Marraige seemed to be pretty clear for a few thousand years. Soon it could mean just about anything because it won't stop with the gay community I bet.
- Deb, Derry

Deb - Derry.

Never did I say or imply to Shut Up and give up their freedom of speech. I was actually bringing up their rights to have freedom of speech. Clearly your not thinking equally to throw such words into my mouth. Nice try.

My words were to the Gay community as well. So get off your soap box for a moment and please stop trying to point fingers saying " Well they started it " or "Well its their fault!"
- Chris, Goffstown

Ah, I see that the NH Democrats in the state senate have gravitated to using the corrupt strong arm tactic of their low life Boston & Chicago Democratic ilk. Another fine example of how NH Democrats have ruined this state - absolute political thuggery.
- Mac Wade, Newmarket

PLEASE :
Remember at election time all that are
ramming the Gay Marriage bill through.
This will be much better than criticizing,
and name calling.
With any luck the people will have a voice. Thanks for your attempts Sheila.
Tom, Concord
- Tom, Concord

President Eisenhower forcibly integrated the military and enforced the Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education.

Yet he signed also Executive Order 10450, which barred homosexual conduct in the government. Was he a bigot? http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/22/AR2005072202010_2.html

Governor Thomson confronted a federal judge who allowed homosexual groups at UNH. Was he a bigot? http://archive.seacoastonline.com/2001news/4_20b.htm

And in 1993, Senator Helms withstood ferocious namecalling and blocked the appointment of militant lesbian Actenberg to HUD. He also blocked Governor Weld from being Ambassador to Mexico for the same reason. Where's that 'centrist' coward stumping for gay-marriage today? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesse_Helms#Homophobia

A pro-family, racist Supreme Court candidate is still a racist. She is no different than David Duke. The democrats have a big problem. Gay conduct is only prevalent in large numbers among confused whites. Gay-marriage is not about equality, it is about conduct. Lynch needs to do the right thing, keep his word, and veto the bill.
- Steve, Manch

Un-freaking-believable. If our elected unrepresentatives attacked the people's business with the same zeal they apply to this nonsense, New Hampshire would be nirvana.

We have civil unions. There is no 'rights' or legal privileges issue here.

What is the difference between civil unions and civil marriage? One word: marriage.

What will they agitate for next?
- Tom, Campton

All NH residents have the same civil right to marry a person on the opposite sex. Gays have additional rights to enter a same sex civil union. Put it on the ballot, what are you afraid of?
- Mae, Plaistow

To Chris, Goffstown

All good words but then it is the gay community doing the pushing and not living their lives and claiming they have a right to change the meaning of marriage.

What you seem to be suggesting is that everyone else shut up and accept it while giving up their right to freedom of speech. That seems to be a pattern of the liberal thinker today. Freedom of speech depends on what party you belong.
- Deb, Derry

People, live your lives... and let others live theirs.

I’m sure you have enough to worry about with your own life rather than crying about what people 8 houses down the street are doing.

They are happy. Maybe you should try to find that same goal.

Live Free or Die.

Don’t tell me how to live.

Oh by the way... there is a war Over Seas you know. How about supporting a troop with your free time (Even if you don’t support the war) Rather than bashing others. Freedom of speech is protected by...
- Chris, Goffstown

Put your clubs down and drag your women to your caves, the gays are coming!!!!!

Slack jawed troglodytes.
- Mike, Concord

A reminder to M. (the gay priest in Manchester): God did not make you as you are. You are a fallen man along with the rest of us. As you know, that's not how man was created and so we have perversions of all sorts in life and doctrine.
- Tom, Hooksett

Congratulations, New Hampshire is entering the 21st century, a period which seems much more in keeping with the "Live Free Or Die" ethic than the hundred years just past. The government has no business telling gays that they can't marry, and the bigots that say otherwise are the very same sort who opposed equal rights for blacks and other minorities. Gay marriage in no way threatens my nearly 20 years of marriage with my spouse, and in point of fact, strengthens society and the institution of marriage. With the sad heterosexual divorce statistics what they are, any couple that desires to commit to one another for live should be given the chance to do so. Put another way, there's little enough love in the world -- anything we can do to encourage and support it is clearly working on the side of good. It's that simple.
- R Hoffman, Grantham

This is really pitiful, all the attention this gay marriage issue is getting. Of all the other crap going on that could really use attention: education funding, balancing a budget, etc. and all the House and Senate are really gung-ho about is allowing gays to marry. Imagine if this much effort was put into figuring out way to balance the budget? No one can make a legitimate argument that this issue should not be put to a vote to the entire state. The idiot politicians looking out for the special interest groups should not be allowed to make this decision. Gov. Lynch, you said a marriage is one man and one woman. Don't waffle on this. Wait... maybe we're on to something. The gay marriage license fees can be set at $40,000 each??
- Mike Hawkurtz, Concord

Greg Barrett, Manchester,
These two issues are what is wrong with liberals who know nothing about the Bible.
Of course the killing of another human being who violates the sanctity of life is wrong. So too is allowing people to go on with their lives thinking that living in sexual sin is ok.
If someone is sick, is it loving to tell them, "You're ok. You have nothing to worry about." Or is it better that you tell them they need to seek medical treatment? A no brainer here. Just say, "DUH!"
Well those who are sick by biblical standards are those who willingly violate Scripture by practicing sexual intimacy outside the paradigm of marriage as one man and one woman.
The only way to be saved is through faith in Christ. Without that faith the person is eternally condemned.
I pray and hope you have trusted in Him.
- Rich R, Farmington

No matter what state passes this and it is simply my view that we do not.......those of us who believe in traditional marriage, will never accept it. It is just my belief.
I do not wish anything bad to gay people.
It will simply not be accepted no matter it is made law.
- Rick, Manchester

Remember there is nothing CHRISTIAN about bombing abortion clinics or shooting doctors who perform them and as Christ illustrated in his parables about the Samaritans and the tax collectors neither is descrimination. The legislature has done the right thing.

Greg Barrett
- Greg Barrett, Manchester

Isn't it amazing how our reps have nothing better to do than push for the gays. It appears as though everything that needs IMMEDIATE attention has to take a back seat just so they can "do what's right and equal". How many times will this make?
All this will do is start a "simmering pot" to boil . Even California as liberal as they are realized that it is wrong. The rep that "did what the people of NH wants" just doesn't get it . She missed the boat all together. What the people of NH want is for this issue to be vetoed or voted against !Keep the civil union and no to marriage.Government has no business getting involved.
- rosie, laconia

Bravo Sen. Shelia Roberge!
Thanks for bravely introducing some common sense, and what we used to call common decency into the fetid swamp our Blue-State statehouse has become.
Thank you for standing with the people!

OlEd
- OlEd, Weare

From the beginning of human history societies have been remarkably unanimous about the parameters of marriage, with the exceptions being notable and rare. They are:
1 two
2 living
3 human beings
4 of majority age (or deemed mature enough by family)
5 not too closely related, and
6 of opposite sex.

Our (human societies’) reasons for all of these restrictions are similar, if they are made inadmissible to the debate for one requirement, how can they be allowed for the others; when sufficient societal “progress” is made to begin fighting those battles? How can we discriminate against those with innate preferences that violate 1 through 5 after discarding our traditional morality and violating the basic molecule of our society and civilization by giving #6 a pass?

If you pass Gay Marriage and put deviate lifestyle #6 on an equal footing with natural families what will you tell deviates of 1 – 5 persuasions when they come for their “rights”? Of course the gay community is trying to keep a lid on their “sexual minorities”, especially keep them out of the press during this debate. But if “mainstream homosexuals” prevail, others will not be far behind.

Also, if legal equivalence of homosexual (or other illicit) marriage is granted, it will quickly become a hate crime to argue for the superiority or desirability of the traditional morals that made civilization possible.

OlEd
- OlEd, Weare

What a waste of time!!!

Let's pay attention to the IMPORTANT stuff the state faces...THE BUDGET

Waste time on this later on...this is NOT IMPORTANT right now!!!!
- Mike, Manchester, NH

For those that live in Manchester, Rep Winters (Manchester wards 10,11,12) is strongly in favor of this bill. I have placed several phone calls to him and set him several emails. He will not change his mind. Please let Rep. Joel Winters know how you feel. I have included the link to his voting record.
We need to contact our representatives on this and let them know that the outside money they are receiving is not worth ruining NH over.

Rep. Winters voting record.

http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/house/members/membervotingrecord.aspx?member=376709
- Joseph Hoell, Dunbarton, NH

As the straight spouse of a gay spouse for over 30 years, whose marriage and family have been destroyed by the suspension of rules, I would like to weigh in on this debate.

If this debate were truly about equal rights, it wouldn't matter what we call this union, as long as the same rights apply. If there is one thing I have learned in the unraveling of my marriage, it is that the agenda is much more involved than equal rights. Those who may object to the lifestyle based on religious beliefs have the same rights under our constitution to express those beliefs. In my opinion, they do not have the right to encourage hate or threaten harm, but they have a right to their opinion and should not be attacked with hateful rhetoric either.

Marriage has been an institution designed for the union of a man and woman with the objective of acknowledging the importance of building a stable family unit that is the foundation of society. It has sanctified the union and legalized it, so that there would be recognition of the importance of this union before God and the state. There is no other way to produce another human being except through the union of a man and a woman, no matter the method used for conception. Granted it hasn't been a perfect union and many do not manage to hold it together, but in my opinion, that is because we, as a society, have found ways to make it easy to not work at that union or that we accept that fidelity isn't natural, and one should be allowed to do whatever makes them happy no matter who else is hurt. Rules aren't important.

Some things deserve to be preserved, and in my opinion, both civil rights and the ideal of marriage as a union of a man and a woman, are both worthy of preservation. Those on the side of the ideal of marriage as a union of a man and a woman are voicing their opinions and deserve the same rights of not be discriminated against for voicing those opinions, as long as they don't cross the line of hate language. From what I see in the debate, those on the side of gay marriage appear to be more concerned with winning the fight to apply a name rather than just achieving equal rights under the law.

We need to slow this process down and find a way to achieve equal rights without destroying basic rules of society that have been a foundation that dates back to biblical times. The majority has a right to be heard, and our elected officials need to carefully consider how best to address this issue. If this battle is won by those who support the use of the term marriage to describe same sex unions, it will not be the last. The agenda is more than winning the right to use a word and it is not just about equal rights. If this were the case there would be a very different debate going on right now.
Concord, are you watching this debate and are you listening to both sides? Can you see by the comments that are being posted, how the majority feels about this issue? There has got to be a better compromise, and I think the foundation for that was laid with the approval of civil unions in this state.
jb, Exeter
- jb, Exeter

Tolerance and acceptance can never be legislated!

I do see a small glimmer of a rainbow (the gay symbol, I believe) for divorced heterosexual males in NH. Given that Gay men will divorce, they will also be given custody of children (adopted or otherwise). This will be a huge breakthrough for NH, since most men don't get custody no matter how inefficient the parenting skills are of the wife/mother. There's also the chance for fair Child Support. As divorced female couples with children will have to pay CS to one another. WOW.....the possibilities are endless. (Sic.) I' ve witnessed many acts of unfairness against divorced men in NH. Perhaps NOW, they may get some equality! Anyone know a handy-dandy legislator for that?

For those with the argument that heterosexuals have 'messed' up marriage with a current divorce rate of 50%: the first same sex female couple to marry in Mass., and who also led the fight to marry, divorced after only 14 months! Julie and Hillary Goodridge, the lead plaintiffs, got their license application first and divorced first!

And what of the 'converts' and bi-sexuals? Anne Heche for example. Gay/Lesbian one minute and straight the next! What a mess.

Welcome to this portion of equality, for what its worth!
- Annah, Austin TX formerly Londonderry NH

Let the people decide. Put this to a public vote just like in California and see how many people really support these sexual perverts. They know it would never pass a public vote. Those with morals should stand united against these perverts.
- David, Bedford

Greg in Londonderry:

Notice how no one has spheres to take on your question? I've brought this up also and I haven't yet heard a logical argument against sibling marriage. If this is truly an equal rights bill, there should be no exclusions.

All we can do is keep trying. There are plenty of people with the "world is changing, get used to it" argument. Let's here one of them comment on sibling marriage.

Interesting that the gay community would support a ban on other groups looking to get married. Can you spell hypocrisy?

P.S. A previous post was from a gay Catholic priest? If you're celibate, does it really matter anymore?
- Mike, Manchester

It would be nice if the hetero-phobes would get out of the political arena.
Larsen has violated the trust of those who voted for her. There is NO bi-partisanship in Concord at all. She seems bent on pushing an agenda of social engineering by ignoring what the people are asking for: to have their say in the voting booth in November.
Its time, NH, to take our state back and remove from office those who will not serve the people but rather serve themselves and those who line their pockets with bribes.
- Rich R, Farmington

Show me proof that gay's are "born that way." Truth is there is no scientific concensus. While the gay catholic priest knows God loves him doesn't mean God approves of his lifestyle choice and the proof is in the Bible. Yes, even God loves murderers and pedophiles, so what? Only God knows why people do the things they do and loves them anyway, but it doesn't mean he condones or approves of their actions. What's also wrong here is that gays erroneously believe that if gay marriage is approved, that will finally make them happy and everyone will finally approve of them. Happiness comes from within not from a forced, supposed stamp of approval of your lifestyle from legislators (many in the forefront who are gay themselves therefore not objective). And stop w/the 50% hetero divorce rate and check out the divorce rate ever since Vermont approved of gay marriage; it increases substantially every year. And, no, most heteros don't "hate" homosexuals they merely believe that marriage should be exclusively between a man and a woman and this is a slippery slope leading to complete immorality in our culture until incest too will be deemed the new "things change" doctrine so get on board. Why is the estimated 4% gay population running our State? Money planted in the "right" politician's pockets? If any of these legislators were honest, they'd let the people of NH express their voting rights and the Gov. would stand up and demand our right to vote on it, but then they wouldn't get what they want just like when Californians were allowed to vote.
- judy, bradford

Sheila Roberge has represented her constituents well. Thank you, Senator.
- Serena, Manchester

Here's a solution to the problem!...Let's eliminate the institution of marriage outright and nullify all exisiting marriages. This way, everyone can live with whoever they want in the lifestyle they choose. No limitations on sexual preferences and activities (getting government out of the bedroom). If you want to leave your significant other with your possessions or wanting access to their personal information, draft a binding contract or last will and testiment. We can then stop the labeling and accusations of being "homophobes" and "bible thumpers." Social morals and values are gone; accountability and responsibility is non-existent. Don't believe me...ask a lawyer. They're the cataylst that created this mess. Why do you think so many politicans are lawyers?
- Chris, Laconia

Of course, all those who predict the sky will fall must ignore the experience of Europe, Canada and in the US. Heterosexual marriages are no worse, children are not being assaulted, and civilization has not ended.

Calm down and let others live as they choose. Isnt this country founded, first of all, on liberty and personal freedom ? You may want to prefer your own religious views but, when it comes to the power of the state and how others' live, I choose libert and personal freedom.
- michael bagge, brewster, massachusetts

Stop saying we are afraid of gay people because we oppose this. I have no difficulty living next to a gay person and having relationships with them as individuals. That does not mean I think what they have is a marrage and that they should have children. Call it a gay partnership and let lawyers handle it.- Keep it out of family court. This is betrayal. Next they will demand rights as an oppressed minority.
- Belinda, Peterborough

Next year there will be a requirement for 5 year olds to take a class on gay, lesbian, and transsexual lifestyles.

Don't laugh. It's happening in California.
And people say that it doesn't affect anybody but the gays. Ya, right!
- Bill, Dunbarton

How sad is it that our representatives not longer listen to the people who elected them. Stop being so gutless and put the matter to a vote. If the government is for the people and by the people then let us vote on it instead of being cowards and trying to slip it through without the majority of the people of New Hampshire voting. New Hampshire is losing their voice to politicians instead of the people.
- Ellen Hooper, Windham

Hooray for the gays, now let’s start fighting for the polygamist!
- Richard L., Manchester

Amazing. When the bill was not going to pass with the current lineup the party majority replaced the holdout with someone who would. So much for democracy.
Our Constitution differentiates between the separation of Church (religion) and State (government). I guess if you're GAY the Constitution doesn't matter. It's all about what makes you FEEL GOOD and to HELL with decent mankind.
It's time to vote these people out. They have destroyed our State with their minority views on socialism. n the meantime, we're drowning in debt and they don't care as long as they can "marry" their "partner".
- SAndy, Thornton

"I believe that the white straight man and woman are in danger of losing their rights-allowing gay preference and placing married one man and one woman at risk for becoming the minority in our society.
I also believe that religious organizations and churches are quickly losing their constitutional rights to practice individual and
group religions according to their conscious.
- Charlotte Sheltry, Grovetob New Hampshire" -- It takes generations to create this kind of person, with this kind of mind. Contratulations Charlotte on proving that the Darwinian curve of evolution has peaks as well as troughs.
- Mike, Concord

I don't understand all this anti-gay paranoia. If you're against same-sex marriage, then by all means don't marry someone that is the same sex as you. Allowing two loving people to marry each other and have the same rights as any other married couple just makes sense to me. It wasn't all that long ago that interracial marriage was illegal but now people understand that was wrong.
- Dan, Manchester

If anyone seriously believes that the cosmetic “protections” so righteously insisted upon by Gov. Flinch will survive the ACLU et al litigation attacks, do I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you! The whole thing is a shame! Whether right or wrong as to merits, the process stinks. At the end of the day, special interests have overrun our state and the governor has no backbone. Out with all of the fools! The people will vote either now on this issue or in 2010, and vote we shall.
- Steven, Swanzey

It's amazing to me that with all that is going on in the world that this is was gets people the most upset.

Yes, put it to a vote and show America that NH is truly more openminded than California.
- Bill, Manchester

Why are so many people afraid of gay people? If there wasn't such a stigma attached to gay persons you'd probably find out you ("angry moralists") know someone who is gay and is not a threat to you or your way of life. I hope none of you ever find out a member of your family is gay. They you'll wish they had equal rights. I feel sorry for you who are so apposed to this bill. Look around, the world is changing.
- Gilbert Miller, Woodland Park, CO

Oh No! If gay people can marry, what will become of my marriage? Oh yeah, NOTHING. I will still be married and enjoy all the rights afforded, whatever they are, I obviously take them for granted because I'm not daily aware of them.
- Jeanne, Londonderry

This committe and Senator Larson are a huge a farce!! If you don't like the outcome of the vote, change the players. If this had been any other bill it would have died in committee. This is a slap in the face to the citizens of New Hampshire and I hope they learn their lessons, by the next election!!!!
- RB, Hampstead

Glad to see our legislators spending so much time on this instead of the real problems out there. Our tax dollars at work, ladies and gentlemen.

Please, NH. Let's throw these bums out next year. Maybe we can right the wrong they're trying to shove down our throats today.
- Gary, Lincoln

Shame on our Senate and House members for not protecting faith-based conscientious objecters who own a private business and now may only choose between either commiting a grave sin via complicity with what our faith considers to be a grave sin, or face a legal lawsuit which that person would most likely lose. I would agree that, for example, refusing to cater a gay person's bithday party, family reunion, etc, WOULD be discriminatory. A marriage on the other hand is a specific occassion directly violating moral belief. It is now my 1st Ammendment right to freedom of religion that is being violated, and the NH Legislators and Governor are complicit in that! Please reconsider.
- CG, Newfields

Our legislature has done our State a grave injustice by voting to allow same sex marriage. Has no one in our state government the guts to stand up to minority groups who seek to force acceptance of their decadent lifestyle upon those who don't agree with it? Surely, those legislators who voted for it have never opened and studied the Bible. What a shame.......
- Roger Hutchins, Dalton

Another attemp of the left wing legislature to ram another bill down our throat with the dismisal of Rep. Roberge because she did not agree with "their" agenda. Wasn't civil unions enough?! Let the people of NH decide. Put it to a vote. With divorce at a record high, hasn't marriage been demorilized enough?! Hetero's marry a little smarter will ya! Discrimination give me a break! The new discrimination will be of large traditional families of moms and dads. I already been a victim of it. We are heading down a very very dangerous path. Have we learned nothing from our past and human history? May God help us all!
- Norm, Bedford

Just an example of how the Liberals work..
"Conference committees have to reach unanimous agreement. When Sen. Shelia Roberge, R-Bedford, said she would not sign the compromise, Senate President Sylvia Larsen replaced her with Sen. Matthew Houde, D-Plainfield."

They couldn't get their way so they removed the oppposition and replaced her with a sympathizer....
- scott, manchester

Put it to a vote, or all the current legislators better start packing, because they're going to be kicked to the curb next year.

Lawmakers are supposed to listen to THE PEOPLE, not a few amoral activists! THE PEOPLE!
- David G., Manchester

Members of the democratic leadership have bowed to out-of-state interests in order to ram through a bill that is not in NH state interest. They mask this as a Civil Right, but it seems, when you read the legislation, it most be a civil right to redefine words in order to gain acceptance. "At any cost" seems to be the right characterization and, if this passes, those who voted for this measure may well pay that cost with their seats in legislature as we vote them out and reverse this awful mess. Gov Lynch turned not to have the courage and moral principles I thought when I voted for him -- unless he vetoes this awful mess of legislation.
- Susan, Nashua

I believe that the white straight man and woman are in danger of losing their rights-allowing gay preference and placing married one man and one woman at risk for becoming the minority in our society.
I also believe that religious organizations and churches are quickly losing their constitutional rights to practice individual and
group religions according to their conscious.
- Charlotte Sheltry, Grovetob New Hampshire

I am simply amazed!

How is it that the concept of gay marriage affords people their FIRST amendment rights?

Imagine if Sen. Reynolds twisted her actions to afford people their SECOND amendment rights!
- sally, candia, nh

There can never be such a thing as a same sex marriage. It is impossible.
PILLIP is the more appropriate decription of same sex living together.
PEOPLE IN LOVE LIVING IN PARTNERSHIP.
I respect PILLIP's legal rights and views. Why is it so hard for them to respect my dissenting view.
- TJ Bara, Bedford

This whole process of ramming gay marriage down NH citizens throats makes me upset.

This decision should not be made by elected officials who have their own personal agendas and beliefs. This should be made by the people of NH.

And it infuriates me that Senate President Larson has derailed that process. She knows that NH voters would not approve of gay marriage, just like California and 40 other states!

And the new preramble wording is not enough! Religious beliefs are not institutional (church), they are personal. But, the new wording does not protect the personal beliefs of business owners who offer wedding services, etc. They will be required to comply just like eharmony.com was ordered by NJ to offer a gay matching service and the had to pay a fine!

So now I suppose, that because I have a different opinion that the supporters of gay marriage, I will be labeled as a discriminator! I think they need a dictionary.
- Ron Minerd, Merrimack, NH

It appears that Senator Larson and the Democrats have sold their soul and the rest of the NH residents to the gay mafia to get homosexual marriage passed at any and all costs. Since when does a "NO" vote disqualify Sen. Roberge as a right to be a member of the Conference Committee. Senate President Sylvia Larsen replaced her with Sen. Matthew Houde, D-Plainfield who did not attend the hearing and phoned in his vote. Every Republican and Democrat representative should be outraged over this parliamentary move to cram homosexual marriage down the throat of NH residents without representation of both parties during this process.
- Jack Fredyma, Dover

Apparently Senate Rules don't apply to Sylvia Larsen when someone disagrees with her. Check out Senate rule 28 and you will see that this committee was yet another farce in NH politics. Voters don't matter, rules don't matter only the agenda at hand and the "we'll do whatever it takes to get our way" attitude seem to take precedence here.
- Denise K, Hooksett

Kevin Smith needs a real job. Must make him sleep like a baby at night to head up an organization hell bent on denying fellow citizens rights. It is wonderful that dogs, trees and zygotes are instilled with more humanity and therefore rights by these right-wing nutjobs than people who happen to be gay. As a gay catholic Priest, I pray for all...regardless. I know my God loves me, and made me as I am.
- M., Manchester

i cannot believe they threw roberge off the committee because she wouldn't vote the way they wanted!!! HOW OUTRAGEOUS IS THAT!?

It shows just how desperate this group is to get this bill passed at any cost - including the moral cost of our culture.

Please contact Governor Lynch and ask him to veto this bill as he promised to do when running for election. It's the right thing to do.
- mandee, windham

I just LOVE how now the big concern is to "protect" the "right" of those who oppose equal rights in this this issue.

Marriage is conferred by the state, as evidenced by the requiremnt to obtain a license from the State to get one. Thus, there is no way to prohibit that right simply based on sexual orientation.

The US Constitution has a full faith and credit clause when dealing with rights conferred by other states to their own citizens - why isn't this being taken up at the highest judicial level in the land?

If the Governor truly is concerned about "protecting" marriage, then outlaw divorce.
- William, Manchester

Senate and house members who support the Lunch Gay Marriage bill are really making themselves look foolish spending all of this time to correct perceived discrimination.
I think the real reason is they can't do math so they are pushing the budget aside.
Ray in Northwood
- Raymond E Pinard, Deerfield

I wonder if Sen. Reynolds thinks that Sen. Roberge's 1st amendment rights were afforded to her when she was replaced because she would not sign the compromise?
- Mike Bodruk, Manchester

Let the people vote on it! Oh! But wait we cant be trusted!

It should not be by legislative fiat!
This isn’t about discrimination it’s about legitimacy! And after the special interest groups get what they want in this state they will leave and go on to intimidate another legislature.
From before recorded history marriage has been exclusively between a man and a woman. Two men or two women can more be married then two rocks or two whales. Having said this I also feel equal rights and equality under the law should be afforded to everyone. The law is suppose to be blind to differences and I don’t think anyone would disagree, if it is only a question of not getting certain benefits under the “law” then have a vote and I’m sure the benefits will be given. But please don’t forcibly change the definition of marriage because a small narcissistic group of people want to impose their idea of legitimacy upon everyone else. It makes me physically ill to read the hypocritical, belligerent, narrow-minded and myopic statements made by the left.
- Anthony, Troy

Oh the bill sounds great doesn't it but the people are being deceived by the wayward workings of these senators. For them to be angry at Ms Roberge and then remove her from the committee for not going along with them is insane and the public needs to know. Instead the committee replaced her with a call-in vote in which the gentleman was not even there to vote on it. Oh people beware and take heed on who is doing what in the political spectrum and remember these names come election time. This is cowardly politics at its best and now it would be nice to see how many laws were broken by replacing a sole committee member for the fact of needing a unanimous vote to go to the Governors desk. Shame on them and God save NH
- Keith, Raymond

If I understand this correctly, it still allows courts to force people of faith to commit acts that are for them, sacrilegious. What next? Are we going to enact laws that exempt Mosques and Synagogues from serving ham but require Muslims and Jews to eat ham under threat of lawsuits? People of faith shouldn’t be forced by the government to abandon basic religious principals in the conduct of their public lives.
- John, Newmarket NH

Larsen replaced Roberge on the committee because she didn't honor Roberges vote. Is this the kind of Democracy we are now subjected to because of a vocal minority?
- Dave Z, Plymouth

Okay, same-sex marriage proponents, instead of your usual carping about what others are trying to establish as reasonable boundaries on marriage, it's time now to put YOU on the hook.

Presumably, you too want the institution called "marriage" to remain meaningful, right? (Otherwise, you wouldn't be aspiring to it via this legislation).

So... what criteria would YOU set for eligibility? That the parties should be consenting, and that they should be adults, seem a reasonable starting point. What other limits would you set?

To narrow it down a bit, let's focus on one existing restriction. Currently, siblings are barred from entering marriage with each other. So, the question I would like any & all willing challengers to answer is... Do you think this ban should remain? If so, in your own thoughtful words, why?
- Greg, Londonderry

Everyone knows why the Senate does not want this issue to go on the ballot. Just as in California, the will of the majority would win out and Gay marriage would be voted down. Once again the legislators do not represent the will of the people but their own personal interests. That is why I will vote against every incumbent.
- Pierre, Goffstown

If signed, traditional families who might want to come to NH will not. Yes, there will be an ecoomic boom for gay marriage for a period but in the end tradtional families will move out or move to other states who value marriage between a man and woman. It will enter the NH public school systems as normal activity and then it will destroy traditional values in small town NH. The Gay agenda gone wild....
- Jack Truman, Middleton, NH

This is the sort of painful public debate that must occur from time to time. Painful because ti reveals the real differences that exist (indeed must exist) among a dynamic and free people. I rarely quote Bob Dylan anymore, but "the times, they are a changin'," and change is difficult. Governor Lynch will be accused of both pandering and taking cover. Some legislators, as always, have hidden, others grandstanded, and others yet spoken from truly held convictions. In the end the people of New Hampshire will continue to live free, and not die.
- Chabis, Peterborough

Sen. Roberge said her proposal "reflects what people want" Excuse me? When did people ever get to vote on what they want?

If gay marriage is such an important issue in a soceity that is hemmoraging debt and trying to spend it's way out of it. Looking at North Korea and Iran as nuclear powers, fighting people that would blow up anything or anyone in America the minute they get the chance,

then is it too much to ask for a vote to really "reflect what the people want" in gay marriage? Never thought I would see this in New Hampshire. Never.
- Tim, Nashua

This is incredible! Our liberal representatives are determined to redefine marriage and the rule of law can be damned. They realize that this is their only chance to effect this change because they will be destroyed in the next election and by, all rights - should be! Defeat this gay marriage crap and lets move on. This is not a Civil Rights issue; its pandering to a small very vocal minority who get headlines in the Globe and Monitor at the expense of NH
- Bill, Auburn, Nh

This is crazy. Has anyone read the NH statutes for marriage & civil union? They are the same. Marriage law is 457 & Civil Union is 457-A. You can find them under NH.gov & link to the laws.

This has been such a waste of taxpayer money. Both sides have the same rights. Our Legislator is flipping our society upside down.

Rep. Jim Splaine, D-Portsmouth said, "Whenever you have a dialogue about ending discrimination it's a good discussion to have." Well then, I want equal rights when it comes to my childrens' college education. I want the same discounts as a minority or illegal immigrant. I want the same benefits as illegal immigrants or low income people get for housing & welfare & insurances. Why should I have to pay more out of pocket for these expenses. Isn't that discriminatory?

I also think the laws should be changed to marry anyone or anything a person wants. What's wrong with that? Everyone has different feelings towards things. Why not let someone marry their dog? If a person loves their dog so much, why discriminate there? I want my rights, because now I feel I am being discrimated against!

This whole issue has gotten way out of hand & it's because the left have deep pockets & more lobbyists. Get ready America, because it's now going cross country.

Our Legislators have not voted for what THE PEOPLE want. They have voted for the minority & morally wrong side. They have been influenced for the wrong reasons & now MARRIAGE is desecrated.

I can't wait for 2010. Please let's vote them all out, from Governor on down!
- Dave, Manchester

What about the budget? What about funding education? How can a issue that everyone I talk to about, take so much time to debate when we ( the people ) want to VOTE on it.
Taxation without representation and false representation is why!
- mark, enfield

This bill is being crammed down our throats by a very vocal and typical liberal minority. It is shameful that a member of the committees should be removed because she refused to vote for a bill which she finds contrary to her beliefs. Typical liberal force, if you can’t win --- CHEAT!
This whole idea of gay marriage, no comely euphemisms here, if it is to be instituted in the State of New Hampshire should be put to an up or down vote of all the voters in the state.
- CWH, Hooksett

It seems that if we really believe in "live free or die" then we should support civil liberties for all. I personally think that marriage is a religious term and that states should only sanction civil unions. Unfortunately, both sides of this issue have political motives and common sense never seems to win when that is the case. In any event, I say live and let live. And to all the gay couples out there; welcome to the world of alimony, child support, and losing half your stuff! Congratulations.
- Bob, Bedford

Let the party begin.
- Shawn, Manchester