YOUR COMMENTS

Yes folks, this bill needs to be veteod right away. In response to someone else, the following is the correct order for this reasoning.

First, because God said that marriage is between a man and a woman. His laws are not to be changed by mortal man.

Second, it is the duty of governments to enact laws that are moral and proper, to preserve the natural order of things, and to protect all aspects of society so that a nation remains strong.

Laws are not to be changed because they may be popular or unpopular, or favouring one group or another. They are in place for a reason: to ultimately look out for everyone's safety and to provide order.
- DAN, Franklin

I can't believe some of the arguments that I am reading. The references and comments are outrageous.

I am a gay woman. I have been with the same partner for 10 years. I have 3 children (all boys). All of my children are straight. I have 1 grandchild. My oldest child is going to be a police officer. My middle child owns his own construction company. My youngest is an honor student in high school. Hence, your "deviant theory" is out the window.

I do not believe in "animal intercourse" nor do I believe in pedophilia. For those of you who try to control the popular opinion through fear and hate, you are completely wrong.

If I am employed at a place that would allow me to purchase insurance for "my husband", shouldn't I be entitled to purchase insurance for my wife?

If my partner is sick in the hospital, should I not be allowed to visit and make decisions if need be (which we do have now with Civil Unions).

Should I not be allowed all the rights, freedoms and protections that every loving couple has?

If marriage is solely for procreation, I propose that everyone be required to have a fertility test before being afforded a marriage license and that those who cannot bear children not be allowed to get married.

I'm going to let all the bigots in on a big "gay" secret.... it is about love and not all about sex! Just as it is about love in heterosexual relationships, it is the same in most gay relationships. I know that is beyond your scope of understanding but it is about love.

I do not care what your beliefs are. I do not care what your religion dictates. I care about my family (yes, family). I care about my children and grandchildren. I care about my partner. I care about my life.

True Republicans and Democrats alike should support this bill. Republicans believe that the government should stay our of people's personal lives. Democrats are typically "civil rights" crusaders.

One last note, the Governor's re-election will not hinge on this decision. He has a 70% approval rating so, once again, your empty threats are falling on deaf ears.
- Gayle, Seabrook

Many posters here keep bringing up history, how marriage is "traditionally" and "historically" between a man and a woman.

Perhaps these people have forgotten that historically, these heterosexual marriages were not a union of love but rather one of money and social power, wherein the father (or brother, if the father was deceased) of a young unwed woman would marry her off to any man economically stable enough and willing. Women typically entered the marriage market in their mid-teens, around fifteen years old or so, and were hitched to men much older -- by at least ten years, in most cases. Today we would consider that effective human trafficking with pedophilic overtones. But hey, that's history for you!
- Heather, Derry

It is ridiculous to say that anyone, straight or gay, has the "right" to have their most intimate personal relationship regulated by the state. Right now, gays have the right to not have the state intrude upon their "marriage" or whatever they want to call it. I am straight, and I want the state completely out of the marriage business. Let's abolish all marriage for everyone. By that I mean only the state's involvement. Abolish inheritance taxes, estate taxes, and let anyone pass on to any true dependent his/her social security upon death. The state then needs only to enforce any contractual agreement entered into by consenting adults and we don't need to worry about what it is called.
- Paul Stinson, Moultonboro

I have been happily married for over 25 years. I will never understand why I should feel threatened somehow by the marriage of a loving same-sex couple.
- John, Meriden

John, this is not about feeling threatened. Many people oppose same-gender "marriage" because marriage is a biblical concept defined as being one man and one woman. Polygamy was tolerated in the OT but not ordained by God.
To call a union of two men or two women "marriage" is really the problem.
We could redefine the term. We can also call anthrax "baby powder" but it will still kill.
We have civil unions for same-gender couples and it is my opinion that we have civil unions for all couples regardless and leave marriage to a religious ceremony only.
- Rich, Farmington

"Marriage is a FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT"

Show me where it says that in the constitution... I will save you the trouble, it doesn't. It doesn't say that anywhere in the constitution, there is no such "right". Homosexuals have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and no one is preventing this. They do not have the right to redifine a thousand year old institution in an attempt to force society to accept and legitimize their lifestyle. Sorry, that's not bigotry, that's the facts and it's about time people wake up. No one is telling anyone that they can't be gay or they can't live that lifestyle. You can scream moral and religious bigotry all you want, but the fact of the matter is that homosexuality is nothing more than a sexual deviance similar to being a child molester (they can't help it either and can't be re-habilitated but that's another discussion), the only difference is that, because it is between "consenting" adults, it is tolerated by society. It is against the laws of nature, and thereby not "normal". There is not one shred of scientific data to suggest anything other than what I have said.
- Nick, Derry

VETO! Everyone here has the same right to marry someone of the opposite gender. What do I tell my kids? One cannot believe in a legal system that is so at odds with millennia old truths.
- Marc, Mason

Isn't the New Hampshire motto Live Free or Die?. Or is it Live Free or Die*(does not apply to homosexuals)?
- Tom, Pahoa, Hawaii

I have been happily married for over 25 years. I will never understand why I should feel threatened somehow by the marriage of a loving same-sex couple.
- John, Meriden

Equal rights for everyone, equal protection under the laws, is a simple matter of fairness and constitutionality.

This bill provides equal rights for citizens of NH regardless of gender. This is the right thing to do, to provide equal rights to all our citizens.

The governor should sign it, the sky will not fall, and we should all proceed to move on to other issues.
- Beverly, Wolfeboro

Craig from Derry said:

"Queers can't reproduce. (I use that word because many of them use that word on their websites)."

Uh, Craig, if you are straight, why are you spending time on gay websites?
- Kevin, Yellowstone National Park, WY

I, like the vast majority of young people under the age of 35, have no problem with gays getting married. We have gay friends, coworkers, family members, etc. whom we love and support. They deserve to marry each other and live their own lives. Not some second-class civil union garbage.

I find it infinitely amusing that "government keep out" conservatives want the State to decide who deserves a marriage or not. This is yet one more reason why the Republican party is falling into the abyss.

Let New England further take its place as the progressive center of the U.S. and act as a model for the rest of the country.
- Mike, Candia

Good news I doubt a lot of gays will want to use a service that hates them. Refuse the business and let others have the money. In this economy you would be doing your fellow businesses a favor.
- scott stuit, concord nh

let me say this real nice and clear for ya




Marriage is a FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT. the CHURCH and STATE are SEPARATE and do not and SHOULD NOT affect one another. making separate institutions for separate members of our society proves to be INHERENTLY UNEQUAL .
WHO WILL SPEAK FOR ALL OF THE STRAIGHT WHITE 25-50 DEMOGRAPHIC?!??
give me a damn break
- bill, derry nh

Governor Lynch please do what is right and veto this bill! We should not be redefining marriage. If the Governor vetoes this bill, this Republican will vote for him in 2010.
- Joshua, Litchfield

Gays have the right to live their lives as they want, but they DO NOT have the right to redefine an institution that has been around for thousands of years. If we include same-sex couples in marriage, what's next? Are we going to allow a man more than one wife, or what if he wants to marry his sister? I am asking the Gov. to veto this bill, if he does, than this Republican WILL vote for him in the next election.
- Robert, Portsmouth

Governor Lynch, please eliminate the exclusion of same gender couples from marriage in the state of New Hampshire. The House and the Senate have voted. Please have the courage to do what is right and sign HB 436. This IS a human rights issue. Consenting adults that love each other should be allowed protection under law. This creates harmony and promotes health in our society.
- Dawn, Manchester

Hate runs amuck should be the title of these comments. I hope in 20 years each of you look back on your lives and still feel as passionate by your words here. If Lynch signs the bill or not you are what you teach your children.
- Sam, Derry

This is not just about marriage, there are much larger things at stake. Mostly, same sex couples must NOT be allowed to adopt children. A childs parents (even if the child is adopted) are the most important role models in that childs life. These role models must NOT be homosexuals under any circumstance. It's time homosexuals came to the realization that they are NOT normal, and they cannot force society at large to accept them as such, no matter how hard they try.
- Mike, Londonderry, NH

They should just name this bill "The Governor Re-Election Act of 2009" If Gov. Lynch does not veto this, he will not be re-elected again.
- Dave Jagodowski, Goffstown

A lot of people are talking about forcing their religious values on others and how wrong it is. If you look at what is happening here you can see it is the homosexuals who are trying to force their beliefs on everyone else.

The homosexuals are the ones who want the government to CHANGE the definition of marriage.

The homosexuals are the ones who want to CHANGE the law to legitimize their lifestyle.

Let them call themselves anything they want ... just do no force me, via the law, to recognize them as anything other than what they are ... homosexuals pretending to be married.
- David T., Bedford

let's ponder this. joseph and james exchange vows in n.h. they plan to honeymoon in canada. they make reservations at an upscale hotel and request the honeymoon suite to consumate the marriage. breathtaking...where does the insanity end? why involve the government? why should we really care what joe and jim do? next question please.
- pete, lebanon

hey lynch dont renig on your tv adds u said one woman and a man of marriage correct me if im wrong tv dont lie
- jim, manchester

Governor:

In the Year of Our LORD Two Thousand Nine,

I hope that you protect and defend Marriage between one Man and one Woman.

Otherwise, let the people decide by a popular vote.

God Bless.
- Fernando, Laredo, TX

Opinions, opinions, opinions...
Let's talk about the truth. Homosexuality is sin. You can call it a civil union, you can call it marriage. That doesn't change it. It's still sin. Hopefully Governor Lynch won't further condone this chosen lifestyle. When you turn your back on absolute right and wrong anything goes.
- Jeff, Bedford

Gov. Lynch. Sign this bill. Its the right thing to do to ensure equality for all NH residents. Remove religion from these comments as it does not apply. Gay couples are denied many rights that straight couples have.

Remember I voted for you too.
- Steven B, Manchester, NH

The state regulates marriage because the state has a vested interest in the propagation of a stable family unit as the building block of a stable society. Marriage, as historically defined between a man and a woman, allows for the natural procreation of children and for them to be raised by both their biological mother and father whenever possible, thus asserting that both genders are essential components to child development. The state provides tax benefits to married couples as a means of incentive to engage in the procreation and raising of children as a compelling state interest, not because 2 people simply love one another and find fulfillment in their relationship. If marriage can be redefined to include any 2 persons of any gender, it can also be redefined to include any alternative lifestyle that wants equal protection under the law. The precedent will be set that marriage is no longer between a man and a woman as it has been throughout all of history, but a relationship based on individual rights and personal adult happiness. Children will be taught in school that when they grow up they can marry someone of the same or opposite sex, thus furthering the precedent that both genders are not necessary to parenthood. It has already been shown through years of studies on the effects of no fault divorce that children who grow up without a mother or father actively parenting, have higher rates of depression, suicide, school failure, teen pregnancy and low self esteem. There is a reason that from the dawn of civilization marriage has always been between men and women. Same sex couples have the right to live as they choose, but they do not have the right to make it normative to rob children of a father or a mother through the redefinition of marriage.
- Mary, Bedford

Governor Lynch, the business contract we call marriage has no value in today's society; indeed, it's almost easier to get divorced than it is to get married. There's no reason why gay folks shouldn't be able to screw things up as bad as us straight folks!
- Greg, Manchester

For all those who think this is good for the live free or die motto, you might want to actually do a little thinking. If this is about personal freedom, why do you need the state to recognize it with a law??? Why will they not allow the PEOPLE to vote on it???? Why do you discriminate against pedophiles if they want a relationship with a child??? Why do you allow discrimination if a person wants to wed their dog, are you not infringinging on their "right" of freedom to live free or die.

Mr Lynch has a dilemma that his own party has thrust upon him. If he doesn't sign it, he essentially agrees with it and it will cost him. If he VETOs it, which he should, he might lose his party support. If he signs it, there could be a tremendous backlash with a referendum ballot question that would overturn him and make him look the weakling he really is. He has avoided ANY and ALL tough decisions up to now, lets see if he has a backbone and veto's the bill after he claims to believe in the tradition of marriage between one MAN and one WOMAN.

Ticking time bomb Mr Lynch??????
- Mike G, Raymond

To all those who think that marriage should be defined by love alone, be consistent. If it is love alone that defines marriage then it must follow for polygamy. After all why should relationships be limited to just two people. The number two by your logic would seem just as random as a man and a woman. It would also extend that we should allow for marriage of siblings. Again why not? The Church was the first to ban such marriages anyway. Follow the logic and be consistent, so then I can respect the arguement. I oppose it none-the-less, but would prefer some intellectual honesty here.
- Christian, Goffstown

I absolutely support this bill and am proud to say it passed the House and Senate. There is simply no place in our society for "Separate but equal" anything.
- Marianne, Hooksett NH

I would imagine that our Governor will just let this sliiiide into law so the liberals he represents won't get mad at him. That's the way he's been running ever since he got into office. And when he does the homosexuals will still have their happy little San Francisco lifestyle, but , let's face it they'll never really be "Married" in the true sense of the word. We heterosexuals will always have real marriage to ourselves because we can advance the human race through the union of man and woman. The only way they can advance it is through a petri dish. So have fun in your little dreamworld lefty loons and remember that all you got was a token gift from a knock kneed Governor. Oh, and to all of the "Catholics" out there that support this bill - you do know that Bishop McCormack spoke out against this bill....right?
- Brian, Londonderry

TRUE REPUBLICANS would support this....republicans want small government that leaves people alone..i don't want anyone telling me what to do in my house and saying i can't do something i want to do......and TRUE NEW HAMPSHIRITES would support this...live FREE or die....stop imposing on others what you feel is right...let people do what they want when it's consensual adults wanting to live their lives in peace!
- Dennis, Groveland

This bill is common sense and should be signed into law by Gov. Lynch. All men are created equal and deserve equal treatment and equal respect under the law. In addition, passage of this bill (signed or not) will help NH economically; the information is out there to support this claim if you care to do a modicum of research. This bill has nothing to do with any religion, as should be the case.
- joe, manchester

Gov. Lynch - show some backbone and do not sign this bill. Civil Unions is perfectly fine. When will the lib's leave what we have alone!
- Marc, Weare

I am a registered republican and have been for many years BUT I support this bill. The problem with my party is the ignorance and the outright discrimination. People wonder why the republicans are losing ground nationally and it is because we are still operating in the dark ages. Women can vote, bathrooms and water fountains are open to all regardless of color.... wake up or we will be extinct before long.
- Jim, Goffstown, NH

Our governor, little boy blue, has done everything he could do throughout his tenure to avoid making a hard decision of any kind. Now he has no choice but to make a decision, but will he? As for what he said on the campaign trail... oh please. Never trust a politician.
- Jim D, Hillsboro

Donna in Rye,

A husband raping his wife is no where near to same as an individual who is gay trying to achieve equality in the bigoted, ignorant world we live in. Homosexuality is not a choice, it is not a "novelty" and who would "choose" to live a life that is constantly bombarded with intolerance and prejudice. A question I always ask someone who thinks as you do, Did you choose to be heterosexual or was it natural? What I think is sick is people who believe their way of life is the right way because they are uncomfortable with letting people be who they are.
- Laura, Weare, NH

If I were governor, I would veto this bill. Governor Lynch stated throughout his campaign that a marriage was between a man and a women. Is he a person of his word or just another hypocritical politician no better than Arlen Spector? (Watch as he crashes and burns in the next election.) We will soon find out. It is not that I have anything against gays or lesbians. It's about the word and definition of marriage. Where does it end if this were to pass? Is polygamy next, or does that group not have enough clout and intimidation as this vocal and in your face group? Although I'm against homosexuality, I know it exists and can live with the fact that it's around me. Although it makes no sense to me, because of religious beliefs (or even the law of nature), that two people of the same sex would develop an intimate relationship, I can understand two people wanting to celebrate and honor their bonds. I would think that this group of people would be able to come up with a creative word that would symbolize their legal and joyful ceremony, which would leave the term marriage as to what we've know it to be since the recording of time. Come on, come up with a good word that Websters can add to its next publication.
- Robert, Newton

Charles in Keene, open your ears and you mind! NO ONE is saying gays can’t do what they want and get married, as they have been for the last 20 years, since sodomy laws were repealed without a whimper! What the moral majority is saying is that you can’t force us to recognize/approve of homosexual couples. Rent a hall and invite a JP and say you are married and buy a house together. No one is stopping you and no one will burn you at the stake. But don’t rent a float and go down Main Street with a bunch of gays doing the kiss-a-thon and don’t make heterosexual marriage and conscientious business owners second class in the legal code. You proposal to steam roll the religious communities of the State is a perfect example of how our society has been devolving since the 1960’s. The whole San Francisco agenda is deeply anti-freedom, anti-religion, and un-American.
- Jim, Manchester

I just read every single comment here and did not see even ONE good point on why this should not be signed into law. All of the oppositions points were "my morals are correct, yours are wrong, blah blah"

-Live free or die
- Christopher, Newton

I think all the "conservatives" who are freaking out over gay marriage on this page should go back to whatever state they came from. True New Hampshire conservativism is about live and let live. Gay people want to get married? Let them, I dont care, they're not hurting anyone.
- Brent Fisher, Bedford, NH

I'd liek to point out the only people pushing to legalize incest and beastiality with this gay marriage bill are its opponents. I haven't heard one gay person speak up in favor of incest or beastiality. Grow up people.
- Kyle, Manchester

To Frank in Manchester and Donna in Rye -

I feel sorry for you two... and the rest on here with similar mind sets.

Multiple scientific studies have been done to show that homosexuality is in fact biological it's not a choice someone makes because it's "the new fad". Please, ask any gay or lesbian and they will tell you a different story. They are harassed by close minded bigots constantly for their life choices... and whatever they do behind closed doors is not harming you so what does it matter who they share their bed and lives with?

Telling a child it is a sin to be attracted to people of the same sex is horrible and I feel sorry for your children. Just because they seem to have "recovered" doesn't mean they woke up the following day and decided to be straight again... they are suppressing their feelings to please their family - at the sacrifice of their own happiness.

Shouldn't we, as parents encourage our children to be true to themselves and live a fulfilled and happy life? And shouldn't we also (in a nation founded by men and women who wanted to live their lives freely how they chose) be teaching our children to look at the world with open minds wanting to ensure equal rights for everyone - man, woman, gay, straight, young, old, black, white... because we are all human beings.

What gives you the right to say that YOUR way is the correct way to live? I'm not saying that you're not allowed your own opinion but let others live their lives how they choose to - no one should be living THEIR lives how YOU choose. That's what individualism is called and thank God for it or else perhaps men like Hitler would have succeeded with his Arian race of everyone looking the same and thinking the same.

Go read The Giver... diversity and uniqueness are what make this world a beautiful place.
- Rose, Manchester

I'm Catholic, heterosexual and married and have two kids. Not only do my family and I support this law, I can't think of anyone I know personally who doesn't. As far as I can tell, most people do support it. It's not going to make our marriage worth any less, it's not going to hurt us or anyone we know in any way, and it seems like something that is only right. I think in a number of years people will look back and just as we wonder how we ever prevented people from different races from marrying, they will wonder how did we ever prevent this too.

Oh yes, I'm glad that Cornerstone group has been calling our house to alert us that all these votes were coming up. They wanted us to call our rep, senator, the gov, to tell them to vote no or veto it. We called each time and asked them to *support* it. If Cornerstone hadn't called us, at least two of those times we wouldn't have known the votes were coming up. I thought of calling them to tell them about all this, then I decided I liked the idea better of them spending their money to get the exact opposite result from what they wanted.
- Larry, Manchester

"The bill distinguishes between religious and civil marriage, and states that no clergy can be obligated to officiate at a same-sex marriage. "

wow, it's funny how this was added to the bill considering this is how the law is nationwide in Canada. There was no need to come up with this "idea" after the fact if people only looked "around" at what was going on near us.

I also think it is sad that "unionleaderDOTcom" is taking money to run harsh Ads against this bill and peoples rights. They could at least try to not be biased.

*** Editor's note: Activist groups on both sides of this issue have placed ads that have appeared on UnionLeader.com's pages. ***
- Dana, Manchester

Sign this Governor Lynch. You have the backing of the majority of the state.
- Buck, Concord

Eh, I personally don't approve of gay marriage and homosexual lifestyle because that is how I was born and raised. As I grew up, I formed my own opinions and after many interesting events with homosexuals, I decided I just didn't get it and didn't believe it was right.

I kinda feel like everyone ends up just fighting about the word "marriage". I may not agree with the lifestyle, but I in no way think someone should not be allowed to see their life partner in the hospital, or add them to their insurance ect ect. If this bill will help bring those sorts of liberties to homosexuals, well then do what you will Govener Lynch.

At the end of the day I know where I stand, I know where homosexuals stand and I know what marriage means to me. I have many gay friends and while I don't necessarily get it, they are still good people.

I'd really like for the people who call others out with ridiculous names with the religious beliefs that homosexuality is wrong to step back and realize what a hypocrite they are being. Me not believing homosexuality is natural is just my opinion. You calling us bigots or religious nuts is you being ignorant as well.
- Rachel, Derry

mike in St. Louis, the ONLY reason why Nh is more Dems now is because they are defecting from Mass. in droves to get away from the high cost of living there and now have brought their politics with them.
Stop quoting polls, we all know they are made up because no one anyone knows has ever had a phone call to poll them. One poster said something a while back that they took a poll of their friends and family and all the people those people knew and none of them said they had ever been called on any poll EVER.
Folks don't let these people make you think it all over and this is a done deal. Call the governor and tell him anyway. That is what we are paying him for is to represent us.
There are no "rights" involved here, just a bunch of sick minded people who want their bad choices validated.
I agree with many here- what's next?
VETO
- Luke, Bristol

Anyone with a brain can see that two men or two women trying to convince everyone they are married is a joke. It is a perversion plain and simple. These are people who should not be allowed near children let alone adopt them.

If you allow gay marriage you must also allow a father and daughter to marry or a man and a sheep or 5 women and 2 men.

Don't change the definition of true marriage Gov. Lynch! One man .. One woman. Husband and Wife.
- Frank V., Manchester

It is time to let go of outdated imperialist dogma, of religious conviction, and votes for political gains. This issue is not about Red or Blue, it is not about Christian or Pagan, it is not about Left vs. Right. This bill simply reinforces that which we all already hold dear, a individual's right to choose his or her own path.

Wallowing in the medieval notion that one should not be allowed to marry, no matter what gender, is in a word, feudal.

Stop devolving and give our race to move forward.

It is time to look beyond petty grievances towards a future where humanity is free to choose. Limiting that freedom is unconstitutional and simply Un-American.
- Charles, Keene

To those who are against gay marriage, has the world ended by the wrath of god in the states and countries where it has been legalized? This is a legal issue because the state licences people to marry, and different legal privlages are given. Those of you who are saying that banning gay marriage isn't descrimination, I think you need to be riminded of the deffinition of the word. Descrimination-(n) treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit: racial and religious intolerance and discrimination.-(dictionary.com) The only thing that legalizing gay marriage will change will be that a group of people will no longer be considered second class citizens, and will be afforded the same legal rights as everyone else. If you are calling this an abomination of God, I hope, for your sake, that you are not divorced, as the Bible speaks clearly of this as being only allowable in cases of adultery. If you want to ban same sex marriage based on the bible, then legal divorce should be held to the same standard as well, and only granted by the church, and not the state. You need to realize that your world isn't going to end, and that your kids won't see anymore deviant behavior than they already do (and that's mostly in school with their friends). This law won't change your values of what is right. Only you can change that. People need to realize that this is a bill about civil liberty and equality, and has nothing to do with the rest of us and the meaningfulness of our own marriages, unless you only got married because gays can't. Religious beliefs aren't shared by all, and shouldn't be used to segregate legal rights. If you want marriage to be about religion, then talk with your legislaters about barring the state from having juristiction over marriage and make it ONLY a religious ceramony.
- Wayne F., Manchester

I am previously from Nashua. I am pleased to see that NH has continued to make progress since I left. I find it interesting to see some NH residents still speak as if NH is a republican state. For those of you who havnt kept up to date, Registered democrats now outnumber registered repbulicans and new voters are registering more as democrats than republicans by a four to one margin. Welcome to the BLUE side New Hampshire. Its about time. Oh, by the way, the latens UNH poll indicates that NH residents favor gay marriage 55% to 39%.
- Mike, Saint Louis, MO

And if you want to marry your gay brother, that is fine according to Mark from Manchester. Where does it end?
- Joe, Concord

I can't say how excited I am for this... to see New Hampshire take the initiative to allow gays and lesbians the opportunity to enter into the same contract that they've been denied for so long...

This is not the degradation of society, folks... this is progression. We're becoming a more tolerant, sophisticated people and that's something to celebrate.

Please sign this Governor Lynch! Future generations will remember you as a champion of civil rights who took the initiative. There may be some opposition today, even though they are a minority in New Hampshire, but it is an ever-shrinking minority that will be largely absent twenty or thirty years from now.
- John, Plymouth

Hey Gov Lynch
You Dang well better pay attention to the ammount of phone calls. This isn't about Iis a aboherrent lifestyle choice! This is not a normal lifestyle Grow some fortitude and ban gay marriage. What they do in their bedrooms is up to them but stay out of my face with this stuff.
Call it what you want but it's not a Marriage. It is so weasly if you support this bill. You don't deserve to govern the State of NH.
- bill, atkinson

A lot of points that I came up with while reading these closeminded responses have already been said, but one that hasn't is the impact this has on our children. I've taught in public schools, and missed the class on marriage? As for what your children will be taught and exposed to? Do you think our children don't see homosexuals in grocery stores/parks/restaurants/etc? Even your own neighborhoods or families! You are free to teach your children the morals you want them to have, in fact as a good parent you should. The cornerstone I want to teach my children is respect and tolerance.
- Danielle, Weare

I find it admirable that everyone is voicing their opinions online. To all those opposed to the governor signing this bill into law please contact the Governor's office at (603)271-2121.
Let him know that you're a registered N.H. voter and will be donating money to the opposition when he's up for re-election.
- Sean, Nashua

Please Governor Choose:

Marriage =1 man and 1 woman.

The VAST percentage of people believe this is the way. Keep marriage normal.
- Brian, Hudson

A classic case for the separation of church and state and why that separation is so important to every resident of NH.

Definition of marriage according to Webster - 1. the state, relationship of, condition of being married. 2.the ceremony that formalizes marriage. 3. an intimate association or union.
- Ann, Durham

Scott in Chichester- I suggest you get someone to read the Constitution to you and open your eyes as well.
When Congress meets, they have prayer before starting. When you go to court, you put your hand on the Bible and swear to tell the truth. Our money talks of God. How can this NOT have anything to do with God?
As for this issue being any of our business, it IS our business. Remember when there was a time that if a man beat a woman it was of no one's concern but the parties involved? That generally happened in the bedroom along with a husband raping his wife. We declared these things that were once kept in the closet, deplorable and unacceptable. Now that all these people have stampeded out of the closet, we need to let them know that their behavior is unacceptable. It serves no purpose except to satisfy someone's sick, sexual fantasies. We have to keep moral standards for our kids.
A friend of mine had a kid that came and told them he was gay. They told him that he must repent of that sin or never talk to them again. Once the novelty wore off, he did just that. Satan puts that "desire" of taboo in our heads and it is up to us toresist that temptation.
People have made being gay "in fashion". How many people have you heard say that it is cool having a gay friend? It makes me sick.
I hope he vetoes this and keep NH as it should be.
- Donna, Rye

To Tom in Hooksett regarding the birds and bees and if they were gay. Guess what....homosexuality exists everywhere in nature.

Did you stop to think that maybe homosexuality might be one of nature's checks and balances to keep population overgrowth in check? Or course not...it hurts too much to think and educate yourself, doesn't it...

I honestly can't believe the ignorance I'm reading in many of the responses here. It's no wonder kids are so screwed up these days. Their parents are raising them to be retards with the inability to let them think and form their beliefs on their own. How sad.
- Rob, Manchester

Bob from Manchester - That was exactly my point. If you're going to base your opposition to marriage equality on the Bible, then you'd better stand by your Bible on divorce, too! You'd also better be demanding legislation against multi-fabric clothing, in favor of Biblically-sanctioned polygamy, and prohibiting women from trying to teach men about the Bible. If you're going to claim God's Word on anything, you have to take the whole package.
- Peter, Canterbury

Why shouldn't same sex couples enjoy the pleasures (and endure the occasional pain) of marriage - it's still about partnership and respect, and just because two men or two women are in love doesn't mean they are incapable of either. In fact, many of the gay couples I know have much more solid relationships than most of the hetero couples i know - mine included.

And BTW, what happened to the separation of church and state...if your "god" doesn't allow you to accept it, fine. But don't push beliefs based in your faith on the rest of us who believe differently.

Let it be law, Governor.
- Kate, Concord

I notice a lot of comments stating that the gay population is choosing to fight for marriage out of greed and in an attempt to shove their lifestyle down peoples throats. The reality is, civil unions do not afford the same legal rights and protections as marriage. These are your friends, family members, neighbors and co-workers who are taking time out of their busy schedules to fight to be afforded the same rights as others, not to prove a point. Although if there is a point to be taken in any of this, it's that discrimination is wrong. Please sign this, Governor Lynch. It's the right thing to do.
- Maria, Plymouth

If you are a woman opposing gay marriage because of tradition we should go back to the tradition of women not beinig allowed to vote. If you are black and opposed to gay marriage we should go back to the ...... I dont need to continue because that is how rediculous your argument is.
- Mark, Manchester

And to everyone saying gay couples only care about the money. How about we take away your rights to associate inheritance or property with your wives or husbands. Oh and forget hospital visitation rights. Your love should be enough to set the foundation for your marriage.
- Kyle, Manchester

Does this mean that the religious nut jobs "Cornerstone Policy Research" will stop calling my house EVERY DAY? I wasn't really for or against this before they started harassing me, but now, they've helped me decide FOR this bill. Anyone that gets their panties in that big a bunch over other people's private lives has lots of other issues, too numerous to list.

I fail to see how letting people create families undermines the "American Family." Divorce does that just fine, without any "help" from the homosexual community.
- Donna S, Manchester

I read the text of the bill. It prohibits marriage between brothers, brothers and sisters, grandsons and grandmothers, moms and daughters and about 25 other combinations of family. If the liberals want to be so broad-minded, why put so many restrictions on marriage? After all, it is "nobody's business", "a private matter between two consenting adults", "love isn't a crime", and numerous other platitudes that the left loves to parrot. Why not open the floodgates completely? What kind of narrow-minded, bigoted, hate-mongers are the N.H. Democrats who wrote this bill? Or perhaps they plan to push these perversions on us one at a time? Societies usually break down one convention at a time, so one must wonder what kind of Hope and Change the Democrats have in store for us.
- MO, DERRY

Thankfully, with every passing year more and more of the anti-equality bigots die off. A majority of NH voters favor equality, and a *resounding* majority of NH voters under 30 favor equality. Frustrated Republicans just can't figure out why their message of hate isn't resonating with younger voters, and that's great! If current trends continue, New Hampshire might be the first state to see the House Minority Leader position held by the Libertarians!
- Peter, Canterbury

Just say NO Governor Lynch. Side with thousands of years of history. Civil Unions provide equal rights. Marriage is a union between a man and a woman for the purposes of procreation.
- michael, londonderry

I have been watching this bill very tentatively. I am personally hoping Gov. Lynch signs the bill to grant me the right to be able to marry the person I love.

I am law-abiding citizen of New Hampshire. I do my part in today's society. I am pretty much the same as everyone else in this state. Why would you want to treat me differently? What harm have I caused to society? Will the world come to an end if I marry the one I love? Aren't the laws made to provide equal rights to all?
- Santos, Manchester

To all the bigots clinging to their 19th-century morality: exactly which part of Live Free Or Die isn't getting through? Or do you believe the "Free" part only applies to you and not your neighbor? If a same-sex couple across the street somehow threatens your "traditional" marriage, I might suggest that your problems lie on your side of the property line not theirs.
- BradK, Hollywood, CA (but NH Native Son!)

By homosexuals having the right to marry, they are in no way forcing you to accept them. They are forcing you to accept there rights.

You would never be required to accept a gay couple or person in your home.

You would never be required to have a gay marriage yourself.

Your churches would never be required to marry a gay couple.

It is not required education.

It is not required that you personally even recognize gay couples as legitimate.

However, this is America and you are required as a citizen to recognize EVERYONES civil rights, even if you disagree with them. Civil rights apply publically, we all pay taxes, including gay people, black people, and any "minority. Because we all contribute equally to our country all of our opinions should be equally respected by our government.

But again, no one is forcing you personally to respect, agree with, or associate with gay people.

I don't understand how this is not simple. We have seperation of church and state, why is there even a debate?
- Kyle, Manchester

This isn't "gay marriage" it's MARRIAGE EQUALITY.

According to the ideals established by the Founding Fathers we're all supposed to be equal. NH is not George Orwell's "Animal Farm" where some animals are "more equal" than others, that's discrimination.

People who oppose this are the same kind of people who opposed women's suffrage and civil rights for African Americans.

Passing this legislature brings us ALL closer to living in a country that lives up to ideals of freedom and equality I mentioned earlier.

For the record I'm a straight women who supports equal rights for everyone.
- Leah, Derry

I find it appalling that the only argument against gay marriage is a moral or religious argument.

Governer Lynchs job (and the legislatures job) is to make a civil decision; not a moral decision. Their jobs are to decide on things within the context of the Constitution, and the Laws of the State of NH.

There is nothing civilly wrong with gay marriage; the only arguments against are moral or religious. The moral and religious agendas of the anti-gay propogandists should have no bearing on this legislation becomming law.
- Rob Duval, Bow, NH

Rob is onto something. If you look at polls taking during the time of segregation or the suffrage movement, overwhelming public opinion was against change - meaning if you took a public vote, women would not have been allowed to vote and african americans would still be segregated from the white population. Therefore, I ask those who keep asking for a referendum (which is illegal in NH, btw), what side of history do you think you would have been on if you had a chance to vote for desegregation or women's suffrage. Change can be scary, but the sort of change that NH's elected officials just made is a change in the right direction.
- Kevin, NY (originally from NH)

I can't tell you HOW good it makes me feel to know that I live in a state with so many close minded people. Yeah, right.

In an age where so many "traditional" couples get married and divorced (repeat process multiple times leaving a wake of broken homes and children with two lives), shouldn't we be celebrating ANY couple that wants to proclaim their love and devotion to each other regardless of race or gender.

It's 2009 stop living in the 50's. Passing the gay marriage bill doesn't mean YOU need to become gay nor will it destroy society. It's not a disease let's stop treating it like one. Marriage no longer stands for what it used to. Perhaps we need to revisit our society as a whole rather than harp on whether it's "right" for gays to get married.

I feel sorry for your children. I'm sure some of them are denying who they truly are because of the conservative households they grew up in. Watching their parents spout over dinner about how liberals are ruining the place and need to be run out of the state. Take a look at history those who make the fuss are usually the ones guilty and in denial of their own actions behind closed doors.
- Rose, Manchester

Our Constitution calls for equal rights and it does not provide for exceptions based on race or creed or sexual orientation. This is no place for personal attacks and slanderous name-calling just because one does not share another's personal viewpoint.
Calm down, fellow citizens, and direct your focus on more urgent personal, state and national issues. Many of these personal attacks originate with partisans who are committed to divide us as an American people.
- Frank Greaney, Merrimack

For those of you who have missed the news about global warming, overpopulation is one of the biggest problems facing the planet. Clearly we do not have to worry about protection of the species -- there are more than enough heterosexual couples out these to take care of that. I don't understand why opponents of gay rights always imply that new rights will cause everyone to be gay (ie, "if all the birds and bees were gay") -- do you think that it is that appealing? Make it acceptable and everyone will become gay? Do you really think this is a choice? Why would anyone CHOOSE a lifestyle where their rights are slashed? This is not a choice. Whether be nature or nurture, it is who these people are. Studies show that about 10% of the population is gay. The other 90% will keep populating. No one has to worry about them "taking over." Just let them live their lives and give them the same opportunities to be self-actualized that the rest of us have. Don't try to say that your argument is about evolution -- many animals in nature have homosexual relationships and those species are doing fine.
Change is hard. But in time you will see that this is the right move.
- Calee, Concord, NH

To Peter (Canterbury),
You make a point for why the governor should veto this bill (although that was not your intent). Government has intervened into the sanctity of marriage three major times in recent history – 1. Passing (selfish) laws allowing for no fault divorce, 2. Establishing welfare policies that removed the need for a father and a mother (for a self-centered, non-child friendly lifestyle), and now redefining marriage away from 5000 years of history.
I will ask you, how has the grand experiment established from the actions of 1 and 2, worked for our society? I will tell you., disastrous. Gay marriage is not about equal rights, it is about forcing society to accept another “experiment” that will affect the cornerstone of society that has already been weakened by the emotions of people who are only looking at their own egotism, and not of that of society as a whole.
You are also right, it is time for society to readdress the divorce policies that have devastated the life’s of our children.
- Jeff, Rochester

To all those ranting here who thing homosexuals are deviants and are against gay marriage, why don't you leave American and move to Iran. This is the land of the free. It's not your private Holy Land.
- Dom, Weare

Bob Thornton, I was merely reciting our Messiah on the campaign stump. You apparently missed everything else that I stated in my letter. Try to read a little slooower.
I don't care who does what to whom or whatever.
Not my business.
How soon, though, will we have a school district in NH, as in Maryland that tried and failed, to insert in their curriculum, anal sex to be taught to elementary children?
Just a matter of time. I don't care. I have no kids.
- Michael, Manchester

Does anyone know what it's like growing up knowing or thinking that you'll never get the chance to get married and be happy like everyone else? I'm 30, and I never thought I'd see the day when I would be afforded the same rights as my friends and family members that are straight. I believe in God, I belong to a church, and I'm gay. The world's not going to crumble now that I can get married. Most of the people commenting on this topic probably are too afraid to even befriend someone that is gay. I'm assuming most of you are too afraid to befriend anyone that's not just like you. It's typical, and it's something that I've learned to be able to laugh at. I grew up feeling like I wanted to be just like you, but over the years I've realized that I don't want to be like you. I don't want to be afraid to think for myself and care too much what people think of me. Trust me, if I could have chosen to be straight I would have when I felt so alone years ago. Thank you to our elected officials in NH for doing the right thing.
- Jeff, Manchester

Pass it. Sign it. Whatever, just don't veto the bill. To veto it is to admit backwardness, that one's thoughts are corrupted by the suppression by religion, and prejudice.
- Charles, Keene

Can someone tell me what class marriage is taught in? It's been a while since I've been in school and I don't remember being taught marriage. I learned marriage on the streets and must have learned it wrong because I don't care who gets married.
- John, Auburn

Governor Lynch will not be guided by how many calls he receives on this issue? I'm sorry, isn't he here to serve the people and to be our collective voice? Isn't that exactly what he's supposed to be doing is listening to the majority of the public, those who voted him into office? Does no one else see a problem with this?
- Jocelyn, Londonderry

You people really think that homosexual people choose to be the way they are? Why would someone choose to be hated and discriminated against. Seriously, you all need to move to some state full of bible-toters or others that live in the Old Testament of the Bible. Keep your biased backwards opinions to yourselves.
- Nik, Manchester, NH

To those saying that we should bring it to the voters-

Just because you yell the loudest, it does not make you the majority.

R.C., Campton- I applaud your strength. I hope you will soon know the great feeling and commitment that is marriage.

Steve in Bedford- Thank you for being open- minded enough to consider another side. I have a great deal of respect for you.

REAL threats to the sanctity of marriage= 24- hour wedding chapels in Vegas, Domestic Violence, Adultery.. lets tackle those.
- Beth, Raymond

Again, marriage is a religious blessing and not something that should be bestowed by the State. Quite simply if a couple (regardless of gender) wishes for the state to "wed" them then it should be called a Civil Union. Marriage should be reserved to an observation organized under a couple's religion.

The same goes for divorce. You can contractually break a civil union and have that change observed by the State but that does not mean that the Religion under which the marriage ceremony was conducted will recognize the civil divorce or nullification of the marriage. The nullification of the marriage must be granted and recognized through that couple's religion.

So .. regardless of gender:
Religious/Church Conducted Ceremony = Marriage
State Conducted Agreement = Civil Union
- Jim M, Hooksett, NH

Get real people. To all of you that are saying equal rights for all are living in a fantasy world. The government routinely takes away rights of certain individuals or groups of individuals (e.g. Felons, non-citizens, etc.). Look at sobriety checkpoints....talk about rights being taken away.

Also for the Peter from Canterbury, the Bible also does not condone homosexuality. Check out Leviticus 20:13
- Bob, Manchester, NH

While I believe "marriage" should be between a man and a woman, whether this bill passes or not it won't make any difference in my life.
- BC, Salem

“Rep. David Pierce, D-Hanover, who has a civil union partner, said: "this struggle is about what kind of country and what kind of state we want. We can have a country that respects personal freedom and the ability of an individual to pursue happiness, or a country where government dictates to us how we live our lives."

Interesting how the Democrats do not applied this mindset / logic to other subjects and civil liberties such as the 1st Amendment, the 2nd Amendment, “states rights”, homeschooling, taxes, curbing illegal immigration, wasteful government spending, and of course seatbelt laws. When it comes to those issues, Big Marxist (Democratic control) Government knows best. In fact, one is only “free to agree” or be put on their Department of Homeland Security “right-wing extremist” list and targeted to be thrown in the gulags at some future date. Here we see the Party of George Sorros at its essence – Neo-Marxism and hypocrisy. After all, passing HB 436, the NH State Government is now “dictating” to us how we live our lives (especially with all the out-of-state far Left lobbyists and funding supplying the proper bribes to the correct legislative hands).
- Mac Wade, Newmarket

Let's put heterosexual marriage on the ballot in November. How about divorce? Let's put that on the ballot too. When are we going to be able to vote on whether women should be allowed to vote or blacks should be allowed to marry whites? Why is up to people to vote for any of these issues?
- David, Londonderry

Look at all the comments. They are highly emotional, opinionated, sometimes nasty, sometimes pleading and sometimes outright personally derogatory.
That is because we have gotten into the business of legislating morality and messing with personal liberties that are none of Government's business. Their excuse for this is to promote equality and to end "discrimination".
No, Marriage is a sanctified union between a man and a woman. Before government saw a chance to make money, it was a union sanctified and ratified by the clergy.
Gay and lesbians have been given, by law, the opportunity to obtain civil marriages which will give them every advantage of a married "couple". That isn't good enough - they are out to destroy RELIGION and RELIGIOUS DOCTRINE as well. AND, according to this bill on the Governor's desk, anybody who doesn't care to do business with them because of their personal beliefs can be sued -
Way too far people - what makes Gays and Lesbians MORE EQUAL that "straight" folks? We have gone too far on this one.
Time to draw the line.
- SAndy, Thornton

Put it to a referendum. The gay rights lobby doesn't want that because they know they will be defeated resoundingly. Just another example of the moonbats in the legislature thumbing their nose at the voters. A referendum is the only option because the governor doesn't have the backbone to VETO this garbage. Wonder how he'll try to fly under the radar on this one. Remember, If all the birds and bees were gay......no one would be here. I do not approach this topic from a religios of moral standpoint but one of evolution and natural selection. Marriage, in my opinion, was originally intended fro protection and procreation of the species. Procreation of the species is not something a gay couple is physically capable of without a willing third party/donor. That is the inherent difference and don't try to mainstream me with this BS.
- Tom, Hooksett

Yes Bill these are our children... ones that we should be teaching acceptance and tollerance to.... what a concept
- Sean, Dover

Please Gov. Lynch, consider this Maine, Vermont, and Mass all have passed this. We are supposed to a live FREE or die state. We can't allow the government to decide who gets married and who doesn't. Let the couples decide that.
- Natasha Jean, Northwood

"Why does it concern anyone, outside that life style? Frankly, its non of your business what the homosexuals do."

I agree, it isn't - and I wish homosexuals would stop making it our business, as they do when they demand our elected representatives pass legislation to grant them a special license.

Far from being about the private choices of consenting adults, this is all about homosexuals bringing their private lives into public, and demanding that we sanction them.

Veto the bill. Legislators do not decide such things.
- Tom, Campton

It is truly disgusting that peolpe want to somehow depict homosexuals as being deviants or somehow perverse are completely uneducated bafoons. Why does anybody care if two people want to get married? Who cares if it is two men or two women? What impact does that have on anybody's life? NONE.
People want to pass on their moralistic beliefs..well...who says you are right.
This comment is pointed to Bill in Manchester: Grow up. Your opinion is your opinion...it isn't right or wrong...so stop preaching and stop worrying about who does and doesn't get married. It is none of your business. It is only the business of people who choose to get married.
- Mike, Manchester

If the governor doesn't veto this, it's time to get petitions going for a voter referendum. I can't believe the majority of Granite Staters condone this.
- Steppy, Ossipee

To all the twits out there who claim that marriage equality will 'destroy marriage' - either start up a campaign to bar divorce or admit your flagrant hypocrisy and quiet down, would you? Divorce *literally* destroys a marriage, and is explicitly forbidden in the Bible. Before legal divorce, marriage was a lifetime commitment - *that* was when the definition came open for debate.
- Peter, Canterbury

I grew up in Campton and was teased mercilessly for being gay. I grew up thinking that I would always be a second-class citizen for being who I am despite being powerless to change myself. I prayed, I pleaded, I told myself I was a bad person and that if I tried harder, I wouldn't be gay. But despite my prayers and my best efforts, I was still gay.

I am so proud to know that the legislature of my home state, the place I once ran from because of its politics, has realized that to deny me the right to marry the person I've been with for 6 years is discrimination.

Marriage is generally understood to be about love, but marriage was once nothing more than a contract to consolidate land and wealth - wives were just another form of property. The point is that marriage has evolved over time and it will continue to do so.

Marriage is the greatest commitment, and my happily married parents have always taught me its value. It is precisely because I have watched a healthy marriage for my 27 years that I want to marry the person I love. The marriage between me and my partner would do nothing but strengthen the fact that marriage is sacred and valuable and that it strengthens and betters both individuals in a way that Civil Unions never could.
- R.C., Campton, NH

• Govenor Lynch, please veto this bill.
• NH has NOT denied anyone the equal right to get married (to someone of the opposite gender). Gays simply choose not to take advantage of that right of citizenship.
• The legal definition of marriage as between one man and one woman is not a denial of rights. It is a legal affirmation of the majority’s values. Allowing gay marriage is a slippery slope leading to a society ever fuller with deviance and perversion.
• Homosexuals have been getting ‘married’ for decades in the Episcopal Church and for centuries in non-religious ceremonies. There is and never has been a law against having gay ‘marriage ceremonies. Just the state and religious groups do not recognize them. This is all about forcing acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle. No one has been beaten or arrested for participating in a gay ‘wedding’ (as a black would have been in Alabama 40 years ago for taking a white seat or trying to vote for example). Homosexuals are not prohibited from seeking and obtaining happiness, unless it makes them happy to discriminate against people who are morally opposed to homosexuality.
• Christians are supposed to love all people, recognizing EVERYONE IS A SINNER. We have never and would never stop homosexuals (by any legal or physical force) from loving whomever they wish. We wish everyone would stop what ever sinful lifestyle they are involved in and seek God. The only difference with homosexuals is that there are no ‘thieves pride’ or ‘gigolos pride’ parades. Gays have made a public annoyance of themselves.
• The security for gay couples "acquiring, possessing and protecting property" has been secured through civil unions.
• Civil unions are a voluntary institution, not mandatory as was the case for public schools under ‘separate but equal’ ruling of “Brown vs. Board of Education.” If gays CHOOSE to enter this separate but unequal contract, God bless… If homosexuals CHOOSE to leave to leave a state that has civil unions, the place they move to should have the CHOICE to recognize their non-traditional union or not.
- Jim, Manchester

With the legalization of homosexual marriage, every public school in the nation will be required to teach that this perversion is the moral equivalent of traditional marriage between a man and a woman. Textbooks, even in conservative states, will have to depict man/man and woman/woman relationships, and stories written for children as young as elementary school, or even kindergarten, will have to give equal space to homosexuals.

Wake up New Hampshire. These are your children!
- Bill, Manchester

The middle ground is politically correcrt for Gov Lynch on this issue. He will let this pass into law without signing. However, true leadship means taking a stand on polarizing issues. If you don't stand for something, you fall for everything.
- Bill, Manchester

To all the who state "Let the People decide" - has it ever occurred to any of you that it is illegal to allow the people to decide? That NH has no legal provision to send a bill to a referendum by the people?

If you want this to be voted on, you must change the NH Constitution to allow referendums. Plain and simple.
- Art, Portsmouth

I would rather live in a neighborhood with gay couples than houses with gang-banging drug houses headed by heterosexual couples.

how often do you see headlines of gay people mugging, stealing, killing.....
- Brett, Manchester

I have never supported the idea of killing unborn babies (and about-to-be-born babies) or allowing men to marry men.

I will not start now and would hope that Gov. Lynch will use his veto pen. Don't let a small band of sickos form government policy.
- Bill Howard, Exeter

Given that our legislators work for nothing, John Lynch could have saved everybody a lot of trouble by making his position clear prior to hearings and votes. Instead, I hear him crying on NHPR this morning about all the calls to his office clogging up the switchboard, and that the calls to his office won't help him make up his mind. For the record, I hope he signs the bill and the republican's opposition looks hateful and also, republicans, what about the 12% spending increase that looks like we are going to get? Is that even on the list of your "concerns"?
- Jack Langley, Hollis NH

Gay Marriage is a nice hot-button issue to distract us from the fact that the Bill of Rights has been shredded, our wealth is being redistributed to global banking elites and war with Iran (or Russia, or China - you fill in the blank for the villain of the week) is just around the corner.

Gay Marriage is no more an assault on the family than is an economy that requires parents to leave their kids in day-care while each works two or three jobs to service mounting mortgage and credit card debt, even as super-banks are handed the keys to the national strong box.

Pass this Gay Marriage bill already, so we can concentrate on what's really important.
- Jack, Sunapee

To Ann Marie in Manchester NH - educate yourself! Read the bill. No clergy will be charged with discrimination as the bill clearly states that is up to clergy to decide if they will marry a same sex couple. To Bob Thornton in Milford - right on brother! Plenty of gay people own guns and are members of gun groups! TO THE GOVERNOR: Sign the bill. I am a heterosexual who has been married for 26 yrs, lifelong resident of NH, and ITS NOT UP TO ME OR YOU TO SAY WHO SOMEONE CAN LOVE & MARRY.
- Lisa, Concord

Please sign this bill! Its all about equality.

Protect all citizens... just like you protected the auto dealerships.
- Sean, Manchester

How many times does this have to be voted on?!? Do it or don't doit but let's move on to more important and pressing matters. The house is burning down around us and the State wants to cut the grass.

On a side note: Not that I'd wish this on anyone but why shouldn't polygamy be legalized?

And why won't the State recognize the holy union of me and Charlene, my rifle?
- Biff, Canterbury

Governor Lynch: stop sniffing the wind and show some backbone. Sign the bill.
- LJC, Manchester

Pass the bill.

This is the live free or die state.

So many of you who are against this bill spout on and on about the governments intrusion into your lives for seatbelts, motorcycle helmets, guns and free speech. Well... this is just another freedom. The freedom to declare before God and friends their bond, and to have it recognized by the state, Federal institutions (taxes) and legal authorities.

And if you think it's blasphemy, then the good Lord will have the final say.
- Angelo, Manchester, NH

Even though I think NH voters would affirm mariage equality at the ballot box, it is never right to allow the majority to dictate the rights of a minority. If that were the practice and precident in this country, women would still be sitting at home on election day and slavery would still be the law of the land in the South.

The majority of NH residents support marriage equality, the majority of state Senators support marriage equality, and the majority of House members support marriage equality. There is absolutely no reason for the Governor to even consider vetoing it.
- Dan, Manchester

I used to be mildly against Gay Marriage, on the grounds that it would lead to
other demands (marry dogs for insurance, etc), a notion I got from listening
to Howie Carr. I now realise that it's simply discriminatory for gay people to
be denied rights that I have. It's no different than discrimination based on
skin color. Gays don't choose to be gay, that's just how they are. My stance
against gay marriage was really a stance against gay people.
As for the argument that it weakens the institution of marriage, I don't get
it. If Stella marries Helen or Steve gets hitched to Harry, it has zero
impact on my marriage or family. If, however, Stella, Helen, Steve and Harry are
discriminated against simply because they are different than me and my wife, what should I tell my kids about that?
- Steve, Bedford

Of course Mr. Lynch is going to sign this bill. This has been in the planning for a long time now so don't fall for the stall in signing this as if Mr. Lynch is taking time to consider all sides before his pen hits the paper. His orders come from higher up not the people.

But what is disturbing is the fact fifty three Reps decided not to vote on this and do the job the people put them in office to do. If Mr. Lynch signs the cry will go out from the dems that they did the work of the people. If the people go out and get the signatures needed to put this on the ballot the cry will go out to find a radical judge to declare it unconstitutional and that should be enough proof for either party that the people have lost control of government.
- Deb, Derry

Get government out of what is the personal choice of 2 individuals. Sign the bill or get out of the way and let it become law.
- Jim, Hampton

Jeff N. in Nashua,

I am a resident of this state, heterosexual and I DO want this bill passed!!! I want homosexual couples to have the same rights of marriage that my husband I have, their relationships should not be watered down because narrow minded, ignorant and intolerant people think they speak for all of us.

Wayne F. Thank you, great words.
- Laura, Weare, NH

Gov. Lynch,

PLEASE sign this bill! Do not allow your personal beliefs to dictate the rights to New Hampshire's homosexual citizens. As a heterosexual woman, I find it hard to believe that I could go down to the town hall and get married to someone I met today, but partners of many years have to be treated like second- class citizens and are denied the title they deserve. A "civil union" is NOT the same thing. Homosexuality is NOT a choice. Who would choose a life of rejection and harrassment by the publice, their peers, and sometimes their family? It is time to come out of the dark ages, New Hampshire! Homosexuality isn't wrong and it isn't hurting anyone. Don't be afraid of what is different. Embrace change! Let judgment be left with God. Be kind to your neighbors of all walks of life. Please, PLEASE sign this bill, Gov. Lynch. Don't ignore your civil duties anymore and let things happen around you.
- Beth, Raymond

Even some of the "sane" homosexual community do not support this nonsense of changing the reality of what marriage is. This is just another small vocal minority manipulating the system to circumvent the publics will. They will always lose when the debate is out in the open with public involvement as with all of these "special rights" arguments. A shallow victory; if the Governor allows logic to prevail he will veto this nonsense.
- Mike, Raymond

I think the bill the should be vetod by the Gov.

A new bill should be proposed to make all Civil Unions and eliminate marriage( 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)

Why do we have to make a new definition for a word that has a definition.

I am always amazed at how people argue over the symatics of the meaning trying to give things credibility or trying to make people feel more comfortable.

If two people really love each other who cares what you call it? Civil Unions give you the same rights as marriage so why don't we get rid of marriage and just have Civil Unions?

Maybe someone can explain the difference to me? Why is this a big deal? I am a hetero male, divorced, have a faith.

I am getting tired of different groups with different agendas asking me to be tolerant of their views when I am not afforded the same tolerance when I disagree with that view. I am tolerant for most things, I really don't care if they don't affect me, especially in a situation like this. This is the live free or die state, though not much anymore. For all of you with faith based arguments let God be the judge.
- Bob S, Manchester NH

I wonder what would have happened if we let the voters decide about freeing black people from slavery.

I wonder what would have happened if we let the voters decide whether or not inter-racial marriage should be allowed.

I wonder what would have happened if we let the voters decide whether or not women should be allowed to vote.

I can't believe that in this day and age, where love and commitment are so rare, that supposedly intelligent human beings are debating whether or not two human beings should be able to form a union under the eyes of God and the State.

For those of you arguing that civil unions are the same as marriage - they are not. Stop being lazy and do some research.

All of this boils down to the evils and brain washing of organized religion...the same religion that years ago, ruled the state and killed other humans in the Crusades. Go figure.
- Rob, Manchester

Dave, Alton

you mentioned:

marriage started off as a solemn vow before God

I checked the Constitution

Where in the Constitution does it mention God? IF you are going to bring up God, then God MUST be in the constitution. But, God is not in our constitution. You can't have your cake and eat it, too.

My take on it... why not have a vote on this? Too many issues are being left up to our pathetic government and their liberal ways.
- scott, chichester

Dave from Alton said "
As far as I can tell, marriage started off as a solemn vow before God to stick with someone and maybe have some kids." Dave and all else, you need to remember that God instituted marriage, it was between one man and one women. As for the kids part, maybe have some kids, but remember, queers can't reproduce. (I use that word because many of them use that word on their websites).
- Craig, Derry

You know why the voters do not have a say in this? Becasue the state and gays know what the vote would say. NO!
- Paul, Milford

We need to pray that the governor makes the moral decision that will affect our children in a positive way. May God have mercy on us if he doesn't.
- Bill, Dunbarton

Marriage is available to any consenting adult living in NH. To be clear, marriage HAS ALWAYS been between one man and one woman. If a minority chooses to cohabitate with someone of the SAME gender...then civil union is their legal right. It is NOT descrimination, it is tradition and centuries of history.

What's next...can we marry an immediate family member to get "marriage benefits" ?? When a minority (especially a truly unnatural lifestyle such as homosexuality) tries to force its values on the majority...there will be long-term, significant problems.

To those who compare this to the civil rights issue...get a clue! I can't wait for this to be voted upon by the residents of NH.
- Kevin, Plymouth

Why does it concern anyone, outside that life style? Frankly, its non of your business what the homosexuals do. That's half the problem, everyone sticking there noses in places it doesn't belong all the time (No Pun intended). It does not concern any of you, and it does not affect you either. The gay community deserves the same rights as everyone else..they are human. And citizens of a great nation. To many of you are to quick to discriminate against others. I bet most of you (unless you reside in cave) have run across homosexuals and didn't even realize it, they are: Leaders in Your community, business owners, teachers, Police officers, Emts, pilots, etc. Live your own life, let them live there's. What a bunch of hypocrites. Im not a homosexual, but I support their right to be Free of discrimination. NH. Live free Or Die..Right?
- Mike, Milton

Gov. Lynch,
Please veto this bill. This is something the voters in the state need to decide. There should to be campaigns on both sides of the issue brought to the voters, then we can all live with the outcome. Somehow, this doesn't seem right, that this decision now comes down to what one person feels is the right thing to do.
- Patty, Bedford

Whose business is it if I get married, besides mine and and the person I marry, and why on earth is the government involved??

As far as I can tell, marriage started off as a solemn vow before God to stick with someone and maybe have some kids. How did it grow into a big government issue? It looks to me like it's got nothing at all to do with the government. I'm sure it wouldn't be too much trouble for a libertarian lawyer somewhere to bring a case to the Supreme court to make all this nonsense unconstitutional. Until then, maybe folks can just get married in private, and not ask the government's permission.

Just in case, I checked the Constitution, and looky here, marriage isn't mentioned even once.
- Dave, Alton

Change is painful and so is being treated like a second class citizen when you're gay. Discrimination has no place in the "live free or die" state and I congratulate the state I was born and raised in for evolving. Religion has no place in government, period. From the comments here, it seems religion has engendered bigotry and hate for long enough. Keep moving forward, New Hampshire!
- Will, Miami,FL

As a NH born, 26 year registered Republican, this bill does not have any effect on me what-so-ever. Pro or con. I'm urging Gov. Lynch to sign this bill.

For those claiming 'slippery slope' and crimes against God's will, let God handle that situation. This his job, not yours.
- Cynthia, Goffstown

I hope Gov Lynch will do the right thing and sign this bill into law. I'm proud of our state for acting to extend civil rights to same sex partners. It's not about religion or sex, it's about equality under the law. It's wrong to deny people civil rights that are currently only granted to heterosexual couples.

As far as putting to the people for a vote, I'm sure it would be approved. A recent poll showed that a majority of NH voters are in favor extending these civil rights to same sex partners.
- Gary, Bedford

Gov. Lynch - the people of New Hampshire are counting on you to do the right thing. Veto this bill and get to work on the issues the people of this state care about. Do you represent us or do you represent the out of state special interests pushing this nonsense?
- Tom, Campton

The only way to get the attention of those who would change our state is to REMEMBER them in November - and throw them out of office!
As much as I hope Gov. Lynch will veto this my gut feeling is: he won't take a stand - allowing Same Sex marriage to become law without his signature.
And unfortunately, the majority of people of NH will forget and elect him and other non-representing representatives next election. Sad indeed.
bnyoung@metrocast.net
- Niel Young, Laconia

I'm so proud of New Hampshire... this is what we pride ourselves on, "Live Free or Die."

Now that a definite majority of New Hampshire residents support gay marriage, this is the right time.

The Governor's mind is essentially made up. He's not going to veto this. That would be too controversial in a state where the majority supports gay marriage, and it would split apart his own party. He'll either sign it or let it become law without his signature.
- John, Plymouth

What will Gay Marriage bring NH? Let's see, clergy/Pastors/Priests being charged with "discrimination" when they refuse to perform a same sex marriage.
Speaker NOrelli received a letter from a Same Sex SUPPORTER who is also a law professor saying this bill is BAD because there is no "religious liberty" . What will it do to our children? Force homosexuality Education on them. In Mass. parents are denied notification or consent for homosexual education in the classrooms.
The gay agenda is front and center for the Democrats while our Economy crashes and burns.
HEY DEMOCRATS..IT'S THE ECONOMY...STUPID!
- Ann Marie, Manchester NH

Opponents of this legislation are rightly called bigots. Why? Because there is no secular, non-prejudiced argument against it. The arguments are either religious, which simply means the opponents are religious bigots for forcing their religion down everyone else's throats through law. Or the arguments are prejudiced, such as claiming that gay people choose to be gay or are somehow threats to heterosexuals or children. If there were a secular, non-bigoted argument against this legislation, Democrats who oppose same-sex marriage would have come up with it by now. Instead, they offer opposition with no rationale because of political expediency.
- Steve, Nashua

BTW, to Michael in Manchester, I too am a gun owner. A life member of the NRA and a member of the Gun Owners of America. As I noted in an earlier message, I support this law and want Governor Lynch to sign it or let it take effect without his signature.

Just wanted to clarify that you certainly do not speak for all gun owners in New Hampshire. Some of us believe in individual liberty for all on all issues and not just the second amendment.

And just so we are all clear on it, there are plenty of gay gun owners out there. Go check out the Pink Pistols web site at http://www.pinkpistols.org if you want more info about a great gay gun group.

Live Free or Die applies to gay people too.
- Bob Thornton, Milford

Writing as a 30-something, Genxer I have to smile at some of the comments being posted here. For my generation gay marriage simply isn't a big deal. We know that there are gay and lesbian couples out there and there always have been.

If they wish to get married then let them. They pay the same taxes as everybody else and should have equal access to marriage if that's what they want.

And no, your bible is not the final say on this issue. Sorry. I respect your religion but you have no right to force others to live by it. The law that Lynch is considering expressly forbids religious institutions from having to recognize gay marriages or perform gay marriages.

So religion should not enter into this debate.

Besides, gay marriage is great news for caterers and divorce lawyers. They are going to make out like bandits. I suspect they are the ones really pushing for this law. Heh. ;)
- Bob Thornton, Milford

Certainly a very HOT topic/legislation. I'm not sure what the Governor will do.

I do think it should have been a ballot issue. I hope the Governor's personal beliefs do not enter into the issue as he represents the citizens of New Hampshire and as I said, it should be a ballot issue.

It's what the people want that really matters on this issue.
- BA, Derry

In reading the text of the bill, it appears that the restrictions are still there against marrying family, including cousins. Why keep the restriction for couples of the same sex? So what if two gay cousins want to marry? They are not going to create genetic mutants. -/-
- Bill, Moultonborough, NH

How does this affect anyone that is not homosexual? It doesn't! People have a right to marry whomever they choose.

Anyone opposing this is just prejudice and uninformed. They should spend more time focusing their outrage on issues that do affect us like bank bailouts.
- JD, Hudson

What happened to the morals of society. We are going in the toilet. How do I explain this trash to my children. VETO please for the good of society.
- amy, goffstown

Governor Lynch
You will do the right thing, I have seen it before. You know what NH is and stands for, and I dont think for one minute you will bow to the pressures of those that brought this bill forward. They should be ashamed. They represent a minority, not the majority in their districts.
Lets not make the NH ADVANTAGE the slogan for GAY MARRIAGE....
- Frank, Manchester

Lynch do the right thing and provide for equality for everyone in NH and sign this bill. For those of you who disagree with me position, put yourself in a gay person's shoes. You want to get married but can't just because you a guy that likes another guy or a woman who likes another woman. The civil unions remind me of a time before Brown v. Board of Education, when blacks and whites couldn't go to the same schools just because of the color of their skin.
- David, Concord, NH

Don't be fooled into believing that this legislation is only about 'equal rights' & will not effect anyone.

The Gay Marriage bill, if it becomes law, will have far reaching impact on our everyday way of life. It will redefine what the majority believes is right. Marriage, is for a Man & Woman.

If New Hampshire moves 'backward' with the legalization of homosexual marriage, every public school will be required to teach that this perversion is the moral equivalent of traditional marriage between a man and a woman. Textbooks will have to depict man/man and woman/woman relationships, and stories written for children as young as elementary school, or even kindergarten, will have to give equal space to homosexuals. Are ready for this New Hampshire? I'm not!

How about the economic impact if this Bill becomes Law? There will be thousands of new dependents that lead thier lives based upon regular risky & unhealthy behavior that will be entitled to survivor & other benefits . Who pays for the premiums for this? Will insurance companies be accused of bigotry because they charge higher premiums for risky gay behavior? It will amount to millions of dollars on an already overburdened system.

And how about the cost to American businesses? Unproductive costs mean fewer jobs for those who need them. Are state and municipal governments to be required to raise taxes substantially to provide health insurance and other benefits to all of the new "spouses and other dependents"?

No, this has not been discussed enough, nor does New Hampshire want this law. Governor Linch should veto this instantly as soon as it arrives at his desk!
- Dan, Kingston

Enter the Scourge...The electorate of New Hampshire was angry with Bush and put this legislature in place. This is the sum net product.

It would be unfair to fully blame these left wing progressives, because the fact remains, they were aided by the usual RINOs such as...Irene Messier from Manchester, Russ Ober from Litchfield, Peter Bergin in Amherst just to name a few. One will note that this passed by eleven votes...that is also the number of Republicans that were either not voting and excused or not voting and not excused. Note that the record indicates 32 Democrats voted Nay.

Jeff Goley, Richard Komi, Ted Rokas, and Mike Farley were noticiably absent. Farley, excused or not seems to miss many important votes. So for all the talking heads and lackies to sit around and say this is what NH wants, clearly is NOT accurate.

Those proponing Gay marriage characterize the rest of us who disagree as homophobes and bigots. That is their defense and thay are sticking to it. Remember to vote more thoughtfully in the next cycle, NH.
- Rick Olson, Manchester

You civics students want a popular vote the second our ELECTED representatives pass legislation you don't agree with. This is not best 2 out of 3 either. This is how government works. Take notes. And Lynch will not veto. He will not sign it either. It becomes law. Start heading for the hills, thats where hillbillies belong anyway.
- Bill, manchester

Gov. Lynch
Do what you know is right and VETO this, please.
- Bob, Lebanon

You would think with the economy in such turmoil in this state, and so many people out of work that the governor has a lot of better things on his plate to contend with. Hopefully he just vetoes this foolish waste of time bill and get on to more important things!!
- Dave S, manchester nh

Please sign this Gov. Lynch. Live free or die, right?
- mike, Hampstead

Mr Lynch, your job is to do the work the PEOPLE want you to do, like the legislators should be doing. Let the PEOPLE decide since this legislature, like anuy other liberal socialist legislature, has failed to do.
- Mark S, Candia

The Governor is waiting for the poll analysis to come back before he makes his decision. This is all about who will have a chair when the music stops in November 2010.
- Chris, Merrimack

Governor Lynch the majority of the people of NH do not want the defininition of marriage redefined for a few. Give legal status and all rights heterosexual married couples partake in to the gay/lesbian community, but DON'T call it marriage. This is not about civil liberties being taken away from the gay community. This is about the current sanctity of Marriage for Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Hindu and all other religions and cultures defining a marriage as between man and woman. The will of the people of NH will remember this outcome.
- Mike, Nashua

Governor Lynch should stand against discrimination.

If he makes the courageous decision to not let government decide who can marry and who can not, people who support gay marriage will have an extra responsibility to stand strong for him in the election as well.

The bigots will be out if force against him. He will need help, and people who support freedom will need to defend him in the election.

Governor Lynch should let this bill become law! NOW! It's time.
- Bob Jean, Northwood, NH 93261

My bet is Lynch doesn't do anything and lets this become law without signing it. He doesn't have the courage to decide either way. It's the "Lynch Way", hide behind the door until the situation rights it's self...
- Ed, Manchester

Once the law passes it's about demanding rights that heterosexuals get, it's about the Money. It's about demanding from the private sector benifits that the public sector has granted homosexuals. The more they try to make it normal, the more it ain't
- Michael King, Epping

It's simple. There is nothing "gay" about marriage. Governor, do the right thing and break out the veto pen!
- Thomas Thorpe, Portsmouth, NH

Please Gov. Lynch :

We are becomming more like Maine, every day, lets not go further down that road as the great Gov. Baldacci did on May 6 , 09. We do not need another special class of people.
Tom, Concord
- Tom Clarke, Concord

This ultra left wing piece of garbage legislation is an embarassment to our once great state. The citizens of this state DO NOT want this legislation. Governor, do the correct thing and veto this trash. Put this to a statewide vote. Let the people decide.
- Jeff N., Nashua

A classic case of our reps not representing their communities. Bring it to a vote in November and see how all of N.H. feels about this issue.
- Dave, Littleton

Tom, NH-Why is it that if one expresses their differing opinion of this bill that they automatically become prejudice and foster fear? Gays and Lesbians got the civil union which is basically the same as this current bill, except for the word marriage. The use of prejudice seems to apply to anyone who disagrees with those with your views only. How can you state that what you think is that of a reasonable person? I think this idea of gay marriage should have gone to the ballot box and let the people decide, like what happened in California. But again, if one were to think in a truly reasonable manner, and voice their opinion they are prejudice in your definition.
- D. Dubois, Nashua

NH is being destroyed by these liberal democrats. Everyone who voted for this piece of crap needs to be voted out of office. Did any of them campaign on this issue? Of coarse not - they would never have been elected. I hope this triggers a conservative movement the likes of which this state has never seen. I have never been more determined to remove these social engineering liberals from office. I hope they understand the word backlash!
- Bill, Auburn

Rep. David Pierce, D-Hanover, who has a civil union partner, said: "this struggle is about what kind of country and what kind of state we want."
Nooo, what you are doing is legislating what kind of country and state we will be. A Third World Sodom and Gomorrah. Seems to me it didn't work out too well for them.
Personally, I don't care who sleeps with what or who. I find it sad that a persons whole universe revolves around what or who they sleep with. Where will this, "I have a right to....." stop? Will there be any self-control? Or just out of control pursuit of one's desires?
Can't wait for the opened minded and tolerant left to embrace Sharia Law. Won't that be a hoot?
But I'm just a bitter, God-fearing, gun-
owning Christian amused by the circus in town.
Let the name calling begin. Ho(is this word banned?) hum.
- Michael, Manchester

Take it to the people. Let the populus decide as they should.
- mark, enfield

I think what this will eventually come down to is Gov. Lynch siding with whomever he feels will be the majority when it comes time for re-election. My own views are usually consevative however, with this topic, I have to agree with Tom. Homosexuals have been jeered and denied the same liberties that we all have had, and some have been forced to live their lives secretly (i.e. in the closet) for fear of being further prejudiced and in some instances violently assaulted. Guys, if you are affraid of someone looking over your shoulder in a public bathroom, use a stall. If you think that this will somehow make your marriges less meaningful, you need to look at your relationships and see exactly what's wrong with it and seek some proffessional counseling! Someone elses life should not have that much of an impact on how you live your life. And if you think that male or female couples are going to be acting lewdly, I ask you, are they doing it now? What makes you think that it will change when they can legally marry? This is about civil liberties, it's not about you!
- Wayne F., Manchester

Governor Lynch has to take a stand. Poor guy has been trying to hide for almost 5 years without standing up for much of anything. No way out ths time.
- Jay Collins, Laconia

So what's the possible harm of passing the law now? Someone gets married that Peter Bragdon doesn't approve of? Compare that to the harm of not passing it - people in dedicated relationships are denied hospital access to their loved ones, inheritance and legal rights, and New Hampshire sees married gay tourists from other states avoid our state in favor of our neighbors (*any* of our neighbors, since they all recognize marriage equality) who will honor their commitment.
- Peter, Canterbury

Gov Lynch,
I hope you do the right thing here and squash this bill. Remember the majority of the people do NOT want this to pass. Not only will people remember this come election time, but someday you will have to answer for this in front of the ultimate judge. Do right by us, VETO this bill!!!!!!
- JOHN, Manchester

What isn't New Hampshire ready for?
These current objections hold no weight what-so-ever in a court of law or the mind of any reasonable human being.
They are fostered purely on prejudice and fear. Seperate but equal does not and will not stand the test of time. Which side of history does NH plan to sit on?
- Tom, NH,NH