YOUR COMMENTS

Assuming HB 436 is enacted. What happens down the road when NH voters elect a Republican state congress and repeal HB 436. Will all the married gays become unmarried?
- Bill, manchester

Here's an idea, let's repeal the Federal Defense of Marriage Act, which bars federal benefits like such as Social Security or tax breaks, to same-sex couples and allow "civil unions" to be truly equal to marriage then the whole issue goes away. If those who support Civil Unions but oppose gay marriage actually did their homework and understood what is "excluded" in a civil union perhaps they too would believe people deserve to be treated equally. Live Free or Die, shame on us all.
- Rob, Manchester, NH

Sue in Manchester: You got a discount from your car insurance company from being considered by the state as married, right? Funny, I didn't. Oh I forget, it is illegal here except for you.

Connie in Concord: All about the Bible? According to who? Who are you to force me to believe what you want me to believe?

Bob from Francestown: I wish that were so. There are hundreds of benefits for civil union compared to THOUSANDS for marriage.

Geoff: I'd rather be gay and happy than ignorant and bitter.

Peter in Pembroke: If government's only responsibility is to allow access to happiness (paraphrase) then why did the NH state government feel compelled to create these bogus marriage laws in the first place? Heterosexual marriage did not give me access to happiness.
- Michael, Manchester

Gay Lemay:

Live Free or Die applies to everyone not just heterosexuals. Get over your arrogance and elitism.

I probably have one of the lowest tax burdens of the nation. I don't pay property tax. I don't pay sales tax. I don't pay state income tax. I love it here. Not to mention... I can now get married here without being incriminated.
- Michael, Manchester

Gov. Lynch-He has no spine. Mark my word: He will let it become law without his signature. How sad.
- Joe, Salem

I am a life long conservative Republican, who voted very enthusiasticly for Pesidents Reagan and George W. Bush, Senators John Sununu Jr., Bob Smith and Governors John Sununu Sr. and Steve Merrill, just to name a few. I have never voted for a Democrat for President, Senate, Governor or House, and my views have not changed one iota. But, if Governor Lynch will show the courage to veto both this and the repeal of the death penalty should that reach his desk, I will vote for him in 2010. Hope you're reading this Governor, please do the right thing, not the "politically correct" thing, and protect us from the moonbats in the Legislature.
- mo, derry

If no one can prove that heterosexual marriages will be destroyed or invalidated or rendered illegal by gay marriages, then gay marriages ought to be legal so committed gay marital partners can enjoy the same legals rights as comitted heterosexual marital partners.

The final decision ought to be made by the voters of NH by a special Voter Petition Initiative (initiated by Voters) or a Legislative Referendum (initiated by Legislators).
- Bob Kroepel, New Durham, NH

I have no issue with two people of the same sax wanting to spend their life together and getting the same rights that I have with my wife. My issue is the wording. It is NOT the same as my wife. So use a different word. Civil Unions have been used and then keep that and adapt the rights under that word.

If you go to Fenway and take the baseball out of Josh Becketts hand and give him a softball is the still baseball ? No it is not. I have no issue with people living their life they way they want. I personally do not agree with it but that doesn't' make it wrong for other people to do what they may, but it is not the same thing and should not be the same thing. What I have with my wife is not the same that a gay couple has.
- jason, windham

I am a former NH resident who has been thinking of moving back to NH from Florida until recently. I am a former NH resident and prior to that a Massachusetts resident. I moved from NH in 1996 to Florida, basically because I felt the State of New Hampshire was leaning to the left. Now I am convinced this is true.
What has happened to the great State of Live Free or Die? I believe the problem is that liberals from Taxachusetts also known as Massachusetts have moved over the State line. This is a liberal subject for sure. I am appauled at the State legislators passing this Gay Marraige law. With all the problems we face today, what were they thinking?
- Gary Lemay, Venice, FL

Honestly, this is such an ignorant argument.
Separation of church and state means something.
Love is love.
What if we still discriminated against interracial and different religions getting married?
And stop using the excuse that gays and lesbians can't procreate, because many heterosexual couples never have kids. And the homosexuals wouldn't be having kids anyway, because they'd just be alone and isolated. Plus, there's artificial insemination. And sex isn't just used for procreation.
You can't a homosexual them to marry a straight person. What if you were forced into marrying someone you didn't love, or were even attracted to sexually? You'd be miserable, and you would probably get divorced anyway.
Everyone is equal. It's time to treat them that way. We all have emotions, and we can't change them. No one can choose who they fall in love with.
Stop being so ignorant.
- Kayleigh, Dover

I wish to see Marriage kept as is. A union between one man and one woman. I do believe that if the homosexual community feels that their Civil Union is lacking in the rights it allows them, then they should seek to change that verbage. I do believe it is the Federal benefits that they feel they are lacking, and truth be told, changing the NH definition of marriage will not change Federal law. (Defense of Marriage act)They are going after the wrong bill. Leave marriage as the strong, long standing institution that it is. 1 man, 1 woman.
- marie, manchester

Here’s the thing this is not a debate about what Catholics versus Protestants think, it’s about changing the meaning of a word that has been associated with marriage since the first marriage had been document around 1400 B.C.E that’s over 3000 years ago and since then the term marriage has remained the same. To change it for one group of people who feel disenfranchised even though state legislation legitimized their legal claim to their Homosexual partners a year before, is a slap in the face to heterosexual couples. So what do we get in return for trying to keep the tradition of marriage? We get called bigots and other hateful names and are told we are taking away peoples civil rights: the rights of personal liberty guaranteed to United States citizens by the 13th and 14th amendments to the Constitution and by acts of Congress. More specifically that we are denying to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws; which in it self I find the most insulting.
- Michael, Concord

Here’s the thing this is not a debate about what Catholics versus Protestants think, it’s about changing the meaning of a word that has been associated with marriage since the first marriage had been document around 1400 B.C.E that’s over 3000 years ago and since then the term marriage has remained the same. To change it for one group of people who feel disenfranchised even though state legislation legitimized their legal claim to their Homosexual partners a year before, is a slap in the face to heterosexual couples. So what do we get in return for trying to keep the tradition of marriage? We get called bigots and other hateful names and are told we are taking away peoples civil rights: the rights of personal liberty guaranteed to United States citizens by the 13th and 14th amendments to the Constitution and by acts of Congress. More specifically that we are denying to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws; which in it self I find the most insulting. No one is taking away anyone rights and heterosexual are the ones who’s rights are being violated by illegitimating marriage for millions of Americans in the US by making it something it is in fact is not.
- Michael, Concord

Just because someone doesn't share the same opinion, they are labeled racist and homophobes. It's funny, the Dems labeled the white, middle aged males as racist if they didn't vote for BHO.

Everyone has a right to their opinion and beliefs. I know alot of people who feel that marriage is between and male and a female and they are far from homophobes.

I think that the voters of NH should be able to vote on this issue, but then I guess about 60-65% of the voters would be racists and homophobes.

Personally, I'm having a tough time explaining to my son the anal sex is love. He's 10 and on his own has a hard time understanding how men love men and women love women, and his racist dad can't come up with a good explanation.
- Scott, Pembroke

Wow, the governor actually has said something right!
Too bad it has nothing to do with saving us from taxation hell.
As for "thinking about all the money gay marriage would bring in", I would not want a dime of their filthy money. If you want to take it, that's your perogative, but I am certainly not going to burn in hell with those disgusting people.
I have never traded my values and morals for anything before, and I am certainly not going to start now.
Not giving gays the "right" to marry or denying people who can't make up their mind what sex they are to use an opposite bathroom, is NOT a violation of their rights. It is their CHOICE to live like that. You people have to stop laying everything at the feet of the constitution. There is nothing in the constitution about the right to be gay.
These people are getting fair wages for their work, have housing, just like us normal people. The constitution doesn't apply to marriages between same sex people.
These people need to get a clue that if this behavior wasn't wrong, they wouldn't have to start all this trouble and expense to make people "ok" it.
I will never accept gay or any other freak as a neighbor, friend or in-law. Thank goodness I own the houses around me so I can choose who is my neighbor.
Shawna, you are missing the meaning behind what Goodwin is saying. It has nothing to do with clothing, it has everything to do with men being the bread winners and women staying home and actually raising the kids they wanted so badly. This country would be much better off if mother's raised their kids instead of some babysitter. Don't have kids if you can't afford them and don't live beyond your means.
- Pauline, Franklin

steve v, manchester. nh your comment on Homosexuality is only half correct. Homosexuals of German or others deemed of the "Ayran" blood line were sent to the death camps, homosexuals of non-German background were left alone, in fact it was an agenda encouraged by Nazi Germany to help in the making of a master race.
Homosexuals can not reproduce, hence they were perfect secret allies during the 30s and 40s, in fact many of the non-German homosexual community turned in and helped hunt down Jews.

The Homosexual community should get no special rights till they admit their wrong doings in WWII as well as the Roman and Greek wickedness that plagued the world for more than a few centuries as well as the Vatican and the homosexual priest that molest children!

Do your research!
- T, Manchester,NH

Wow, Governor Lynch can think. He should really put his PERSONAL thinking aside and think about what the people deserve. That would be an open minded, non-judgemental Governor.
- Virginia, Manchester

John from Dover

Actually it is in there. Its in Article III of the Bill of Rights which are amendments to the Constitution.
- Russ, Manchester

The 1st Amenment protects us from a government ESTABLISHING a religion. (you know, like the one King George established in England that made them move her?)

By defining marriage, or in this case, re-defining marriage, the government is now establishing its own definintion that must be recognized by all religions.

See, once this is law, any church or religious organization refusing to conduct a "marriage" due to the participants being homosexual, they will be sued out of existence. Thus, the state defining marriage is in itself unconstitutional.

My wife and I were married the day we commited to each other, not the day the GREAT and ALL MIGHTY government said we were.

The old man didn't fall of the mountain, he jumped out of utter disgust.
- Mike, manchester

Screw marriage all together, the majority of them end in divorce anyways. Save some legal fees.
- Christina, Manchester

I think the governor said it all when he said this is a rights issue and that the civil union law addresses that.

It's time for gays to move on and be gay and exist under a civil union while heterosexual couples exist under marriage.

And can we please stop with the Gay Pride events? To gays: Just be gay. To Heterosexuals: Just be heterosexual. No need for parades, festivals, etc.
- Gary P, Lincoln

Gays and lesbians have civil rights! This affords them the rights they are seeking. Gov. Lynch, take a stand and preserve the word marriage to remain the distinction for the union between man and woman!
- Jeff, Brookline

Governor Lynch should ask Senator Gregg what happened the last time a New Hampshire politician tried to play both sides against the middle....
- Zoot, Derry

Why limit marriage to 2 people? Who are you to decide in your particular value system that two of anything should be allowed, but it ends there?
There is zero historical/societal gay marriage precedent, but a lot of historical/societal precedent for polygamy and adult/child marriages...both of which the USA has determined to not be allowed as healthy marriages.
Homosexual partnerships seek to mimic the man/woman relations in their own relationship...imitation may be the best form of flattery, but it is not marriage.
Marriage has a definition: one man and one woman.
- Rachel, Nottingham

Matt from Manchester...I LOVED your wendys comment, how right you are. Fact is that if people had lives, they wouldnt be worried about who is marrying who...there are so many awful crimes going on right under our noses...if they spent as much time obsessing about that than they do about some dude they dont even know getting married, maybe we could finally do something about the real problems we are faced. Marriage is about love, plain and simple. This life is short enough isnt it, why not let all human beings live the way they want!
- molly, manchester

Thanks Gov, both sides of the fence at the same time. Take a stand, be a leader, stand up for your beliefs.
- mike, Auburn

If being gay is natural, then we should all turn gay. That would give the human race what, about 100 years before extincition?

Get a clue. If nature wanted men with men or women with women, they would be able to reproduce. All living creatures have two standard instincts, survival and reproduction. Being gay pretty much goes against both of them.

Being born a certain way doesn't make it normal. I believe being born differently is usually referred to as an abnormality.
- Mike, Rochester

I love my cat! I want to marry my cat. I want her to have my babies. I want her to live forever. I will need to marry her so the births will be covered by insurance. Please don't stand in our way of happyness.
- Joe, Concord

Rep. Vaillancourt, Sodom and Gomorah were destroyed because of sexual sins like homosexuality. Shame on you for trying to legitimize sin.
- John, Epping

Michael De Rosa: "God's Holy Word" does not equal legislature! Keep your religion out of our government.
- Kerri P., Nashua

Ethan from Manch

Wikipedia is a croc, not a legitimate source. Anyone can add to it.

get a better source.
- CJ, Bedford

If marriage is all about "luurrrve", and the government's duty is to preserve any self-declared friendship, then let's go. Let's love each other today, and kiss tomorrow goodbye.

But if the state's job is to insure the blessings of freedom for posterity, then it seems more reasonable that securing and protecting the fount of that posterity is more in the state's best interest, than to protect friendships, howsoever loving they might be.
- Peter L. Mehegan, Pembroke

I think that marriage should be defined as bringing together two people. Say these two people are in love and want to spend their lives together, why shouldn't they be allowed to get married. Why should the government decide who can get married and who can not? What gives us that right, especially in a "Live Free or die" state such as ourselves? Why discriminate? Governor Lynch shouldn't let the government decide.
- Natasha Jean, Northwood NH

If it were just a "word" then both sides could probably find consensus. But, separate is NOT equal. And Civil Unions DO NOT grant all the same equalities of marriage. That is why this bill is worthy of passage and should become law.

Greg Barrett
- Greg Barrett, Manchester

Get the government out of the marriage business completely. Get rid of all state recognized relationships.

You cannot have separate but equal under the US Constitution. The Constitution is the only basis for law in the United States, the Bible is not relevant.

If someone wishes to get into discussions about violations of the rules of the Bible I am all for it.

How can the government sanction divorce in the minds of those who claim God's will in the debate? Divorce plus re-marriage equals adultery. Does any Christian here believe otherwise? Adultery is one the 10 commandments.

Then let's discuss how people think God views marriage based reality TV. Do you think selling the sanctity of marriage gets a pass?

Do Christians believe they are going to be judged by God based on laws of the nation they live in? Where does that view come from? Are all the non-American Christians past, present and future better or worse in the eyes of God based on nation status?

Don't people realize the genius of the 1st amendments is its inclusion of freedom of religion? It was as much to keep religion out of government as it was to keep government out of religion.
- John R, Keene

"There is nothing preventing a gay or lesbian person from getting married. Just pick a member of the opposite sex as the rest of us do."

Gay and lesbians have been doing that for decades. It works out just great! Tell me, “Do you have a daughter? Would you like for her to marry a closeted gay man?” Of course you don’t. Gay men and lesbians should pair up with each other and not let the attitudes of the intolerant force them into shame marriages and destroy the lives of the innocent. It is attitudes like this that cause real suffering, not gay marriage.
- Dennis C, Fremont

Connie from Concord:

If you didn't notice with the new testament, God DID change his mind about the whole original sin. Even in the old testament, God changed his mind about Lot and his family. You know how he wanted to smite everyone and everything in Sodom and Gomorrah but didn't when presented with a counter argument?

I don't know if you're trying to play arm chair theologian or are just ignorant about your own religion, but yeah if you're a literalist about the Bible, God's on record as being wishy-washy from time to time.
- Jamie, Manchester, NH

I support traditional marriage because it is right by God's Holy Word. A Pandora's box is being opened when evil is allowed to be called good.

I shudder to think of the ramifications of passing such a bill. Consider this: will one call it discrimination should an adult seek to marry a minor? (or perhaps by that time, the definition of minor will be redefined.)

I strongly urge all NH citizen's to write their government leaders to voice their concerns. Simply debating this topic in our homes or at our work places or on the streets will not suffice unless we communicate our views to our leaders in the correct manner.

Your vote counts. Don't assume otherwise.
- Michael De Rosa, Claremont

Religious arguments were offensive enough--I pray for you; I love you, but you're going to hell.

Truly offensive was Rep. David Bates comment that gay people did not deserve civil rights because they choose to be homosexuals. So, Rep Bates means to tell me that the homosexuals in Nazi Germany were choosing to be something that would get them killed in concentration camps or the homosexuals in American history chose to be something that would get them called queer, faggot or worse or stoned or maybe beaten to death. Rep. Bates comments were the most offensive and ignorant of all, but when I ran into him at the State House today, he sund to a new low, clarifying what he meant was that homosexuals are only homosexuals if they indulge in a sexaul act, and they choose to do this. Of course, he had no answer when asked if heterosexuals or heterosexuals only when they do the dirty deed!

Hearing the wonderful courageous stories from gays and lesbians made yesterday one of the most memorable and beautiful days of my life. Certainly no senator who sat through the hearing (or Governor Lynch) could think of voting against this bill.

Congratulations to Sen Deb Reynolds for chairing a difficult situation with the proper bloend of forbearance and toughness.

Rep. Steve Vaillancourt
- steve v, manchester. nh

This whole argument drives me insane. The institution of marriage was killed when divorce and common law marriages became legal.

Atleast the partners who want to get married want to GET MARRIED. Not like those people who have lived together for 3 years (NH RSA 457:39) and are considered, in the eyes of NH law, to be married - despite never having recieved a marriage license or having a religious ceremony.

We shouldn't have to vote on rights. Everyone deserves to get married. Man to Woman, Man to Man, Woman to Woman - it doesn't matter.
- AL, Manchester NH

Here is my attempt to speak Republican:


Think of all the MONEY gay marriage would bring in.
-Tourism- shopping centers, hotels, rental cars, etc
-Services- Wedding Coordinators, Function Halls, Photographers, Caterers, DJs, Jewelers, Florists, Bakeries, Formal Wear shops, etc etc etc.

It is a small business owners dream come true!

And for those opposed to having more homosexuals come to our state, know that their cash spends the same as the rest of us.
- Beth, Raymond

"The goverment has absolutey no place in deciding who can wed and cannot wed."...Ummm, these homosexuals are petitioning the GOVERNMENT to issue them marriage licenses...
- Tom, Campton

A New Hampshire civil union is not a marriage. It is a legal status, parallel to civil marriage at the state law level, in which the parties to the civil union “shall have all the same benefits, protections and responsibilities under New Hampshire law as are granted to spouses in a marriage.”

While civil unions provide access to state-based legal rights, responsibilities and obligations of marriage, other states are not obliged to recognize New Hampshire civil unions. New Hampshire’s civil union law does not grant the 1138 federal rights associated with marriage. This includes favorable provisions regarding federal taxes, Social Security benefits, immigration, veterans’ benefits and more.
- Mike, Hampstead, NH

This is to all bigots, "bible believers" and BIG Time sinners who are against same sex marriage.

what makes you any different then anyone else. why judge a person because of their sexuality? i hope you all realize that the bible is just a book. A BOOK!! there is nothing different from that to my school books. It has been written so many times, it has SO many versions out there. so stop with useing the bible and a religion as a weapon. by you attacking people with the ^$*$ BOOK and with religion, you too are sinning, just because you go to church or what ever you do, don't reform for your sins. your still a sinner.. NO ONE IS PERFECT!! or better then anyone else.

A few lines from http://en.wikipedia.org on marriage...
Marriage is a legally sanctioned union between a man and a woman, a man and a man, or a woman and a woman. A marriage, by definition, bestows rights and obligations on the married parties.

just give it a rest. we are the same. we are as one. if i wanted to marry a female, then i can do so with no problem.. If i wanted to get married to my 22y/o partner then should be able to have the same rights as if i were to marry a female. I already have my wedding planned out, and i would like to see that happen so i can have my family and friends can come together to celebrate my love for another person, who just happens to be a 22y/o man, who treats me the way i should be treated.

i am currently here for college, and not from this state, and i HOPE Gov. lynch can realize that love between two consenting OF AGE adults (human beings), is human nature,

i hope they pass this bill cause we are all human beings and do the same thing. we just happen to love either sex then the other. and thats ok. the more bigots we have the worse the next generations will have to deal with our mistakes so,

MOVE NH FORWARD!!!!!!
- Ethan, Manchester

The important thing to realize is that homosexual couples don't just want to join the party that heterosexuals have been having for "thousands of years". They want to be afforded the same legal rights and protections as heterosexual couples under the state's definition of marriage. Currently, a civil union does not achieve this. It's not just because they like the thought of marriage or because they're trying to push the envelope.

Religious opinions of marriage are relevant only to that religion--not to state law. The bottom line is that it's unconstitutional to NOT afford these rights to everyone. And if this bill does not pass and correct the discrimination as it exists today, it will set a very dangerous precedent for civil rights in the future.
- Mike, Hampstead, NH

Kevin from Lancaster - right on. My son is gay, not by choice but by birth. I thank my God for people like you! Governor Lynch's personal opinion should not enter into this. He should allow the law without his signature. To all you narrow minded jerks out there - your God will judge you on how you treat others!
- Lisa, Concord

As a Democrat who voted for Governor Lynch, I am disappointed by his stance on gay marriage. With that said, while I can respect his personal opinion of it, I hope that his personal opinion does not mean that he'd veto a bill that will bring equality to thousands of gay people in New Hampshire.

I'm tired of the religious arguments. Christians do not own "marriage." If that were the case, then my husband and I would not be married either. Also, the procreation argument has no merit either. Not everyone marries for the purpose of having children.
- Kerri P., Nashua

Maybe this is why Lynch is looking so sickly lately.

Republican traitors put him in office and he can't anger them, yet he can't anger the extremists who are running the show in the legislature.

If he doesn't veto this gay marriage bill, he will be exposed either way.

And shame on you calling yourselves libertarians if you are promoting this. Since when do libertarians ask the government for their 'rights'? Be honest, this is about money.... not about acceptance of your sexual behaviour.

No one cares what you do, just don't expect us to subsidize it!
- Sue, Manchester

This argument is honestly ridiculous. The goverment has absolutley no place in deciding who can wed and cannot wed. Seperation of church and state? who's rights really are "gay" couples infringing on or harming when the marry or "civil union" ? Just because people do not live that life style and agree with it, does not mean that they shouldn't be allowed to pursue their happiness? They aren't hurting anyone, not even themselves. What is going on with the government trying to control everything that people do. I think it is a stretch for them to be dictating this kind of thing. Personal preference, personal freedoms, no longer your choice but now its in the governments hands.
I have no interest in this battle as I am not gay, but c'mon now.
- Frank, Manchester

All of you that eat Bacon or lobster and preach marriage as an institution on religious grounds raise your hand. Good now sit down and relish in your sins.

For goodness sake wake up and smell the roses....stop using your religioius beliefs, which ARE YOUR beliefs, to discriminate....even the Governor is wrong once in a while and he is wrong on marriage. Marriage is a civil instituition, co-opted by Religious organizations...., always was and always will be....it's a legal and financial issue, not a church issue.....
- Brenda Whitmore, strafford

"Some of the women have been wearing their pants so long that some of the men have forgotten their identity. It's time for the men to put their pants back on, and women to put their dresses on the way it was meant to be" he said. Referring to the Bible's Garden of Eden story, he said, "We have let the serpent slither into our garden."

Someone tell Ronald S. Goodwin that it's 2009 not 1809
- Ron, Concord

Homosexual unions in and of themselves will not sustain the human race, they will not continue it even one generation. They are unable in and of themselves to procreate.

In Darwins terms they are an unsustainable abberation. Therefore they must not be held up to the same regard as those that procreate. They do not stand side by side with the heterosexuals in the tree of life. They could not survive on their own in terms of life begetting life.

If men love men and women love women, let them take care of each other, but they don't bring procreative value to society.

The mandate of God to Adam and Eve was to go and multiply. Homosexuals by definition can not meet that mandate.

That is the fundamental difference between marriage and civil unions.

Marriage is the institution for those that accept the design of the creator to go and multiply.
- Paul, Concord

For all of those for and against, and I am against on religious and moral grounds, the simple fact is that the majority of NH citizens are also against gay marriage. Isn't it a democracy when our elected officials represent the majority? Are we no longer a democracy? Incidently, it is no longer seperation of church and state when my children are being forced to learn that gay marriage is equal to heterosexual, procreative marriage without the opposing view.
- CG, Newfields

Governor Lynch is entitled to his private opinion, the same as other issues like abortion.

He should not, however, use his position to allow Government to obstruct and discriminate against individuals regarding the right and freedom to call their unions whatever they wish based upon their sexual orientation.

Governor Lynch should allow this bill to become law without his signature.

Governor Lynch should stand against discrimination. Governor Lynch should stand up for individual rights, and equal rights.
- Bob Jean, Northwood, NH 03261

"Marriage" is between a man and a woman - it is different because only the union of a man an a woman is capable of procreation. They have the unique ability to physically interlock in a manner that leads to new life. A man and a man or a woman and a woman respectively can not between the two of them in the relationship bring about a new life. If they are to raise a child it requires a minimum of a third party for insemination, or surrogate or outright adoption. This Is The Significant Difference. This Is Why It Is A Separate Institution. It Is About Pro-Creation.
- George, Concord

I guess these so-called Christians dont read the Bible much. God is the ony one who can judge us. If God has a problem with gay marriage let him deal with it. Dont be so high and mighty..you know that good Christian man you sit next to in church? That is the kind of freak that molests children. Not the gay man..the good husband, father, Christian. Look at all the Catholic priests out there that molested little boys. They are even worse because they use God to prey on innocent children.
- Tammy, Rexford, NY

I come from 2 homosexual parents, 1 male, 1 female. But because they were raised being homosexual was wrong they married and had 3 children. I was raised not to know being gay/lesbian was different from anyone else. I was not taught discrimination (gay,straight,white,black or otherwise), as most children are in some form or another. I grew up with 2 mom's and 2 dad's and I turned out well. And our children are raised by straight parents who teach their children there is no difference
- Mom of 2, North Country, NH

I'm straight, and in love, but I don't want to get married. Marriage is a religious union, and neither myself, nor my girlfriend are religious. For us to get married would be hypocritical, at the very least. We should be allowed to be united at the civil level, and have the same rights and benefits as those that are united in the eyes of their god. And, if that's allowed for me and my wife, a mixed couple, why not for same-sex couples?

It's a sin "in the eyes of the Lord". That's your belief, and that's great. Eating bacon is a sin to Jewish people, but you don't see them picketing outside of Wendy's, demanding they stop selling the Baconator.
- Matt, Manchester

If we call a gay person homosexual and a straight person heerosexual, why are we even having this debate.

Semantics. We call a single person different terms becasue they are different. Likewise, a couple that is homosexual is not the same as a couple that is heterosexual. Marriage is a word for heterosexuals who commit themselves to eachother. Let the other side be called somethign different, afterall they are different.
- CJ, Bedford

WAY TO GO! I knew I voted for you for all the right reasons!!!
- Marcia, Penacook

Kudos to Governor Lynch for sticking up for what he believe's in. I agree with him 100%. This whole gay marriage thing has gone far enough.
They should also ban gay couples from adopting, but we'll leave that one for another day.
- Jon, Hooksett

Sometimes I wish that I too was bigoted, closed-minded, ignorant and angry.

Nah--just kidding.
- JB, NB, NH

Kudos to Gov. Lynch for taking a stand and siding with traditional marriage. He's proved that he's not going to be intimidated by a special interest group whose mission is to re-define society. This is not an issue about civil rights or the Bible, it comes down to whether or not we have objective definitions for our institutions. Marriage has always been about one man and one woman. Sorry if it's unpopular these days, but there it is.
- Paul, Manchester

In response to BW, in Concord...

As an openly gay man reading your post about homosexuality being a choice, I can't help but be frustrated. I do, however, respect your opinion.

I would like to point out that being gay or lesbian is not a choice - it's how you are born. Think about it in the simplest terms - why would anyone want to live a life that is socially "different?" Why would anyone want to become part of a class of citizens that is ridiculed, considered "less-than," and have to fight for the same rights as heterosexuals? The answer is: we don't.

For the record, I believe marriage is a religious issue and not a civil matter. Marriage is when two people go before God and enter into a holy union with Him and their church. Until the church decides homosexuality is not a sin, it will likely never happen. In saying this, I believe all "marriages" - gay or straight - that are not within the church should be a Civil Union. Additionally, the rights of a marriage and civil union should be the same. The only difference being that one is entered into with the church and one on a civil level without the church's involvement.
- Peter, Manchester, NH

Governor Lynch just sent the Granite State a message: I plan to run for re-election and I'm afraid of the backlash from the right.
- LJC, Manchester

I would like to be a sports car. Will the NH legislature please make it a law so I can be one if I want. Thank you legislature.
- Bob H, Londonderry

Governor Lynch just sent a message to the NH senate......dump the gay marriage bill. It's over. As an aside: I am amazed at the way this governor never takes a stand. His lack of leadership is astounding. Good guy no doubt, but no political backbone.
- Jay Collins, Laconia

There is nothing preventing a gay or lesbian person from getting married. Just pick a member of the opposite sex as the rest of us do.

Just because they choose NOT to doesn't make that discrimination.
- BW, Concord

Connie, Debby, and all you Bible thumpers, get off your high horse. We are ALL God's children. We were all put on this Earth to love one another and be right by one another. Homosexuality is NOT a choice. No one would choose a lifestyle of judgment and discrimination.

No, gays and lesbian couples would not get much more rights that they have now. But it is time that we stop choosing what is right and what is wrong. We are not Nazi's trying to bring down the "inferior" race. The thing that is wrong here is that we have to give a joining of two people in love a DIFFERENT name. Why is one person's commitment to one another "A", and others "B"?

Until everyone can stop judging others, gay people have the right to say they don't want to have their love and devotion to someone given a separate name or a second- rate status.

And for all of those "protecting the santicty of marriage" and wanting to do what is right, protect the santicty of marriage by tearing down 24-hour wedding chapels in Vegas, get tougher Domestic Violence laws.

And you are so concerned about the children. I am so sure that gay marriage would definitely "damage the children".. What about poor Caylee Anthony and Baby Grace? That was an example of evil of heterosexual parents.

Gov. Lynch has disgusted me. He is trying to appeal to all sides. Who knows how he really feels right now. He is going to be a coward and ignore the bill, but let you know how wrong he thinks it is. He can appeal to all the Bible thumpers saying "I don't agree with it" but then appeal to those who voted for him and let it slide by. He just wants to put his hands up and show us all how clean they are. Pathetic.
- Beth, Raymond

John In Dover..it may not be in the Constitution, but there was a court ruling in 1947 - Everson v. Board of Education, 330 U.S. 1 (1947), Recall that at all? Its unconstitutional to bring the bible, a book of stories that are interpreted in so many ways by man, into governmental affairs. Get into the 21st century. We're no longer in the 1800's or in bible toting/pushing middle America.
- Bea, Manchester

I am so tired of this issue being equated to slavery because it is not close to that at all. You keep calling marriage a "right".
How is it a "right" is what I want explained.
The following comment is a little troubling to me.
" Who are you to deny people from being able to marry someone that they love??
The same could be said about a couple that are "blood related" and want to be married.
Not the same you might say? It is no different than this in that it may be percieved as 'wrong" now but could be viewed differently using the same argument that gay marrige is using.
How when you have the same rights as everyone else in a civil union makes you a "second class citizen" is beyond me. If you feel that strongly about it then you need to get the federal government to change it's laws because until they do no marriage or civil union means anything as far as benefits are concerned.
Is it really hate if you disagree that gays should be allowed to have a certificate of marriage? Yout talk of fear mongering but isn't saying that the same thing?
The real question is and should be where does it end?
- Bill B., Pelham

Marriage is all about what the bible says. God created marriage, not the courts. It is a covenant between two people and God.

You may not believe in the Holy Bible but it is true nonetheless. There are people that don't believe that the earth is round, but it is. Ok, you naysayers, it is oval.

We will all be judged by God's standards someday. Get used to it.
- Bill, Dunbarton

I find it amusing that people use the Bible and religion as the basis of this argument. This has nothing to do with religion or the bible anymore. According to what some have written it would be wrong for anyone who doesn't follow the "Bible" to be married! REALLY??? So Islam, Hindi, Bhuddist, etc... (pardon any misspellings) marriages are wrong in your eyes as well?

To think that only your religion is the only right one is closed minded and foolish. I believe that there are some excellent values and teachings in the bible, however that does not mean I would follow it blindly.

Have faith in humanity, not in a book. Believe in a higher power, but believe in yourself and others as well.
- Joe, Manchester

What would Charles Darwiin say about gay marriage (that after he was done laughing)? What would Mohammad say (if he allowed you to retain your head)?...Why is it that all proponents can say about this issue is "ME, me me....Look at me !!!..." I find it very selfish for you to push your behaviors on the rest of us, who are trying with difficulty already to raise our children in this poisoned, Larry Flynted culture.. (and yes, I said 'behaviors....For, if you can show me homosexuality is natural, I can show you a defect that can be cured)(Please spare me the gay penguin stories, btw....Show me a gay species, and I'll show you an extinct one !)
- Geoff, Derry

Why are our elected representatives wasting time on this nonsense? The vast majority of NH citizens have no interest in this, only a small but well-financed and well-organized band of homosexual radicals. Stop with this garbage and get to work for the people of this state, or be held accountable for it.
- Tom, Campton

What makes you people think we all follow your bible? This is a country of religious freedoms, hence the separation of church and state. If you want a country that only allows one religion and forces everyone to follow that religion you may want to pack up and leave the land of the free because we want to be free to make our choices - not live yours!
- Tracy P, Fremont, NH

Put simply, marriage is a function of the Church, and civil unions are the function of the State. If you want to keep seperation of Church and State, then why are gays insisting on sanction from the Church? Want to really make this fair? Then lets have a state-wide referendum so that every citizen of the state has a vote in the decision. Why does the tail alwalys wag the dog in this country anymore?!
- Bill, Whitefield

NH people would not vote for gay marrage. We have common sense. Children should not be forced to view a gay partner as a parent. Go against the tide and support traditional values Governor Lynch. It will cost you some votes but will earn mine next time if you are still willing to serve.
- Belinda, Peterborough

At the end of the day, what Lynch feels on a personal level shouldnt have anything to do with his job. He is here to represent the people of New Hampshire. Not his own interests.
- Theresa, Dover

I'm at the point where I do not care any longer about this position. A majority of the global population has differing interpretations of what marriage. The Judeo-Christian view is only one such view.
So let Gays and Lesbians have the ability to marry. Precedent in law is what Judges use to make judicial decisions. When those of Islamic faith and Fundamental Mormons seek, via the courts, the same rights and privileges that Gays and Lesbians are now winning, I wonder if Gays and Lesbians will start thumping the Bible or be supportive?
- Gene, Hooksett

NM in Manchester,

Show us where "separation of church and state" is in the Constitution. Don't bother looking, because it is not in there anywhere.

It is a myth. People have twisted it to fit their view.
- John, Dover

Throw the bible out with the bath water. Cafeteria christians need a new and worthwhile cause -- how about homelessness? Ignore homoness. Equal rights for all. Lynch is trying to ride the political fence, after all look at the fine citizens of NH he has to please. Hopefully, your children are more progressive and we just win through attrition, and get this state out of the dark ages.
- Dorothy, Concord

Horray for Gov Lynch, dont be afraid to stand up to these people. Bible or no Bible it is just plain WRONG. what ever happened to treating the sick and their ways instead we just try to make it the norm and OK. no wonder we see so many high schoolers turnign gay, i for one do not wish my children to be subject to the gay way and public displays of affection between 2 guys or 2 gals. face it folks it is just wrong and will never be generally accepted in society. it just will not happen, ever...
- Rick G, Lee

This is NOT a Civil Rights Issue

This is NOT a religious issue

This is just a wordsmith game.

In New Hampshire a Civil Union IS the same as a marriage, by law, the rights and obligations are IDENTICAL.

How many of you have read the New Hampshire Civil Union law? well here it is…
CHAPTER 457-A - CIVIL UNIONS - 457-A:6 Rights, Obligations, and Responsibilities. – Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the parties who enter into a civil union pursuant to this chapter shall be entitled to all the rights and subject to all the obligations and responsibilities provided for in state law that apply to parties who are joined together pursuant to RSA 457.

Please, Please, Please, ask any supporters of this Bill; What rights are same sex couples lacking and expect to get from passing it???

Please, Please, Please, ask any opponents of this Bill: What rights they want to BLOCK same sex couples from getting under this new Bill ???

Then inform them they are full of BULL**** this Bill changes NOTHING.

Let’s stop wasting time, energy, and a lot of hot air that’s leading to global warming on this topic. A year ago, this was addressed by the Legislature, signed by the Governor and is the law of the land…. Time to move on to other real topics.
- Bob, Francestown

To all who keep saying "this is against the bible" There is this beautiful thing in the constitution separating church and state. Who are you to deny people from being able to marry someone that they love?? You're trying to keep the sanctity of marriage? Stop getting divorced. Stop pushing your beliefs on others. Stop being so conceited about it.
- NM, Manchester, NH

The Bible is God's instructions on how to live. Currently our society is rejecting the Bible (to include this bill). And look at the shape our country is in.
- Don, Rochester

Is it going to be okay to marry a sibling someday? How about one man and two women?

It is not wrong to say NO sometimes. We dont have to allow every behavior that comes down the road. They have civil unions. PLease leave marriage alone.
- Tim, Manchester

I have voted for Lynch three times but 2008 was the last time. Never again! Opposition to gay marriage is a form of homophobia. I know a lot of people just want gays to go back into the closet but it is not happening. We need to normalize gay relationships so they can have the same rights, responsibilities, and privileges as other married couples have.
- David, Derry

Connie,

The laws of this country are not all about the bible.
- Jim Wilson, Manchester

The governor can have his opinion, but as a heterosexual man, it's just not his place to decide what the best word is to define this right--marriage or civil union. He's not gay, and he can't possibly imagine what it's like to be relegated to a second class status. It would be like a white man trying to tell black people that he thinks the word "colored" is the best word to describe them. As I listen to and read through all of the arguments against gay marriage, I realize that the same arguments--tradition, against the bible, against nature, slippery slope, etc., could have been used and probably were used 100 years ago to deny giving women the right to vote.
- Dom, Weare

It's not about sex or religion- It's about civil rights and equality under the law. Unfortunately, our civil laws are wrapped in religious foundations, and despite our founders very strong desire for separation of church and state- our social fabric is wrapped in religious doctrine and continues to drive our legal system of laws.

If all civil laws and rights could be achieved without any reference to "marriage", like income tax laws for example, then "marriage" could then be returned to religion as a bond recognized solely by religious doctrine and apart from civil laws. Until we can get to that state of mind people who have relationships that are socially and economically entwined continue to be denied equal treatment under law.

Civil law should even go beyond "marriage" and should include family members who live together and who are financially dependent upon each other- Mother -daughter, Grandfather-grandson, etc should all enjoy equal treatment under law if their relationships are essentially like "marriage" from a civil law perspective.
- Gary, Bedford

Gays have the same right to marry as heterosexuals - they can marry anyone of the opposite sex. They are not being discriminated against, period. The purpose of marriage is to create a family and to bear and raise children to perpetuate mankind. Gays cannot do that through gay marriage, so let's stop this foolishness. Marriage is a union between a man and a woman without exception.
- Brian, Farmington

In the dictionary the word marriage is defined as "a close and intimatew union" or "the state of a couple voluntarily joined for life". No where in the definition does it say anything about man or woman. It may state man and woman in the Bible, but I thought that the law wasn't about religion. Isn't there a seperation of church and state? I am not gay, but I say legalize it. Who are we to judge what others do with their life? Who is it hurting to allow them to marry? I just don't understand why people feel they should have a say in the way someone else lives their life. They wouldn't want someone telling them how to live theirs.
- Lisa, Manchester, NH

Hear those airbrakes? That's the sound of the bus that Gov. Lynch just threw the gay voters of NH under. Remember him? The guy you voted for last November? Maybe you can organize a protest at his new mansion in Hopkinton.....
- Mark, Manchester

Civil unions protect the right of gays to share the rights of married people. If you allow them marriage, then you insult every hetero-sexual married couple in the state. Thats alot of votes.
- Bill, Whitefield

Let's hope Gov Lynch does the right thing for New Hampshire and NOT pass this bill. It really saddens me to see the way this state is going. GOV LYNCH if you're reading this...PLEASE do the Biblical thing here 'VETO'VETO 'VETO' this bill!!

Please DO THE RIGHT THING for us all for a change... If not you too will also answer for the choices you make as a Government Official for our state.
- Debby, Manchester NH

Amy Wright of Concord said she is already married, in her mind, to her female partner of nine years. She's waiting for state law to catch up to her.
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HEY AMY,

It is all about the "BIBLE" and you and your friend need to understand that. The BIBLE state this is wrong. I believe GOD wrote those instruction for us for a reason.and he will never agree this is right! ' 'God' does NOT change his mind and he will NEVER except this sort of behavior!!!!!!!!It's called an abomination.


I really hope and pray that Gov Lynch does not sign this bill and veto's it. Let this State stand by it's morals for a change and STOP trying to follow suit with the rest of the world. DO THE RIGHT THING GOV..FOR ALL OUR SAKES.
- Connie, Concord NH

"Best"?

We decide what relationships are "best" by declaring it through legislation?

I am a happily married monogamous Christian. My faith teaches that homosexuality is wrong, but so is gluttony. I don't see anyone calling to outlaw the "immorality" of all-you-can-eat buffets.

The more important point is that government should not be involved in marriage at all. Whether marriage is religious oath or a civil commitment, it isn't a criminal matter. Government should never be in the business of legislating whose religious oaths are legitimate, nor whose civil contracts are valid.

Anyone who disagrees should produce their government-issued Baptismal License, or Permit to Preach, or Certificate of Salvation. If you don't think any of these things should be subject to government approval, then why do you believe the sanctity of marriage is different?

Speaking of "sanctity of marriage", it comes up often in these discussions. To "sanctify" means to "make holy". Does a government permit make something holy? Of course not.

"Give unto God what is God's, and unto Caesar what is Caesar's." Don't give Caesar power over what rightly belongs to God.
- Kevin, Lancaster

Religious opponents of gay marriage are absolutely insane. We need to remove their arguments from every gay marriage debate because they are flamboyantly ignorant, and not a valid point of view.

We need to float a constitutional amendment to ban anti-gay marriage proponents from marriage, and treat them to their own brand of poison.

As for Mr. Lynch, he is so wrong, and completely out of touch with his state.
- FlexSF, San Francisco

I find it sad that our governor will not stand up for what's right. Allowing civil unions but not marriage between a same sex couple is discriminatory and unfair. There is no reason to deny couples equal treatment simply because they love someone of the same sex.

To hide behind religion or tradition is a copp out. Stop hiding behind your bible. It's a poor excuse to discriminate and hate people. Allowing same sex marriage will not end the world as we know it. Instead of breeding hate, lets foster tolerance and acceptance of those that are different than you.

Instead of complaining about gay marriage, people need to put their time and energy into doing something productive to improve the world instead of discriminate and spread hatred. I'm sure you all have something better you could be doing than focusing on that would actually have a positve impact on the world.

It's people like Robert Goodwin that are the problem in the world - "It's time for the men to put their pants back on, and women to put their dresses on the way it was meant to be". Really?!?! Is that really how it's meant to be? Or is that your sexist way of thinking you are superior to women? Your mother must be proud. I'd like to see you do a mothers job for a day.
- Shawna, Manchester