YOUR COMMENTS

It's not that I am for or against gay marriage, but when a minister of God refuses to marry two gays because it is against his relig. beliefs and then gets sued for it...that is what I am against... a double standard, saying that one group can believe something (gay marriage) but another group is brought to court for practicing their beliefs (against gay marriage).

If a person made a fuss, forced laws into being just so he can belong to the chess club yet while at the club, never learn to play chess, only plays ping pong, make the others at the club miserable, would that be right?

Should I sue OLD NAVY because I do not fit their image ( 56 and overwt), and they will not hire me and yet I need a job badly....no I go somewhere else as it is their right to hire whom they want.


c'mon there are just some things life will not let you do or you were not born to (sure wish i was born rich and no need to work but did not happen that way, perhaps i can start a lawsuit that all millionaires must share with me or else call them anti-poor and sue them) you make everyone else give up their rights just so you can have your way!!!! sounds like spoiled children to me!
- esbee, netx

Changing the definition of marriage was not about creating equal rights, it was about giving more power to the legislature and the state. In three years they could re-define marriage again if we allow this travesty to go on. Defining an age old concept that is deeply rooted in the psychology of most human beings by the vote of a few people in the state without consulting the citizens as a whole trivializes the basic definitions by which society functions. It is an act which destabilizes the basis for our society and culture. It steals from the scredness of the pro-creative bond between males and females in any species which allows marriage to be a nest out of which each person, gay, bisexual, homosexual all originated. it is not about sex...it is about procreation.
Why is that such a difficult concept to grasp? it is so obvious that the arguments that two peopel can have some form of sex together makes all sex equal laughable. Society needs to take the common sense approach of respecting and protecting and strengthening traditional marriages rather than making the landscape of home and family transient and ephemeral.
- Mary, Brookline

Although we now live in a world of companionship marriage, when it comes time for inheritances and grandchildren, the dominant culture of one man one woman in marriage still controls. This issue will be resolved by the overarching fundamental values of Western Culture in the final anaysis.

Good luck and life to all married persons.
- Michael B. Guas, Derry

I love how everyone is threatening Governor Lynch and saying they won't vote for him and he'll never win another election. Same thing for the NH senate and House of Representatives.

News flash: you are in the minority of people who believe he made the wrong decision. So guess what, he will be re-elected, and the Democrats will pick up more seats in 2010 and 2012.

Your threats don't bother or intimidate anyone. Just like they didn't when NOM and CPR Action tried to scare the American people and our legislature into taking their side.

If you want to have a civilized discussion about marriage, fine. But don't go waving your arms and stomping on the ground, making useless and futile threats about not getting someone re-elected, when we all know what the next NH elections will hold. The Democrats aren't afraid of you, they have majority support (which is why they WON.)
- John Robinson, Bedford

Bill must be nulified. Gov. Lynch said he would veto it. Legislature took out the provision that would have allowed the voters a chance to say wether or not they wanted it thus taking away our right to vote. They already had there rights under the civil unions bill that we also did not get to vote on. Seems to me we are living under a dictatorship of the democratic party. More and more like Massachusetts every day. Next in line state taxes!
- Kevin, Windham

Fifteen years ago the NH Republicans voted for Pat Buchannan. And now NH allows gays to get married.

Never have I seen a society deteriate so rapidly.
- David, Jupiter, FL

Yay! Queer marriage is now "normal." Now bring on the speech codes and the hate speech laws banning "mean" speech against gay sex, the $10,000 fines for ministers who dare to quote the Bible from the pulpit, and the Queer Pride parades like they have in San Fran, where cops routinely turn away when sex occurs in the streets in front of children and large P*nis floats celebrate the raw sexuality of this obscene, self-destructive subculture. This is a sad, pathetic chapter in the history of this state.
- Billy, Manchester

Never forget the Bible is God's Word and is the final authority for our life.

Romans 1:24-27 (New International Version)

24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.
25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones.
27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.
Be careful what you wish for. Sin ALWAYS leads to death if you don't have a personal relationship with Jesus. Trust Life, Trust Christ. Don't wait until it's too late.

God bless.
- Jim Stoddard, Coppell, TX

Although, I personally am so far to the left, that even the even the democrats appear to me to be "right-wing," I consider myself to be a strict constitutionalist. It is my opinion that since its inception there has been an organized and systematic assault by the conservatives in the United States on the civil liberties written into the US Constitution. The “War on Drugs”; “War on Terror”; “War on Communism” and a host of other wars waged by the right wing are really nothing more than a War on People--an excuse to erode civil rights to the point of non-existence. I invite you to my website devoted to raising awareness on this puritan attack on freedom: http://freethegods.blogspot.com/
- david scott, san francisco, CA

Opponents of same sex marriage seem to be under the delusion that marriage is a religious sacrament "since the dawn of time". It's nothing of the sort.

For thousands of years there was no marriage at all, then - for a few more thousands of years - it was purely a social institution having to do with children and property. The religious part came in pretty late in history.

Since gays didn't have children early on, there was no reason to marry in order to confirm paternity and pass property on to future generations. Now, on the other hand, marriage is about love only, while at the same time many gays are parents, and that's why the issue of gay marriage has come up.

Stop bullying gay people. Their getting married is of nobody's concern but their own. If you want to leave the state simply because Bill and Joe down the street are getting married, something is wrong with you.
- asoders, Stockholm

Tell me this...what's the difference between civil union ceremony and gay marriage. A slap in the face to traditional values since the beginning of time.

The gay/lesbian community had all they needed/required under the civil union law. Now they're asking for this. What's next??

Come next elections, there's going to be some change a blowin in NH. That's for sure!
- Kristin, Derry, NH

We are quickly, not gradually, losing every piece of what's left of our morality.
- Matt, Durham

I am a young lesbian woman and I am disgusted by some of the comments I've seen on this board. It amazes me that after how far this country has come towards equal protections for all citizens, there are still so many hateful people out there. For those of you who obviously don't know many/any gay people...let me help to set the record straight. What gay marriage means to me is the ability to have my loving relationship with my partner recognized and protected by the laws afforded to me by the state of NH. I don't want to infringe on anyones heterosexual marriages, or jump in the sack with a dog...(come on, I mean really!!??) I just want equal protection! My sexual orientation doesn't change who I am as a person nor did it alter my Christian beliefs and values. I don't understand why I should be treated like a second class citizen soley based on the person I fall in love with.

For those that argue that gays had civil unions, why not leave it at that? That's like saying African Americans should be happy using a separate water fountain and attending different schools than white children. What's the problem with that? I mean they can still still use a water fountain and go to school, they just can't do it with white people. It's absolutely absurd and looking back on all our country's civil rights issues we should see that gay marriage is really about equality and will not hurt anyone's exisiting rights.

So bring on your negative comments and your Constitutional amendment initiatives. But for me, I'm just going to enjoy this moment with the knowledge that I live in a state that cares about all it's citizens. Thank you NH. I'm glad I could witness history.
- Nicole, Hampstead

This is great!! my girlfrinds and i want to get married and we were planning to go to MASS and do it, but apparently we dont have to!

I dont understand how this is so wrong to some people. If two people ar ein love, then shouldnt they have the right to get married, even if they are the same-sex?

Bob in Hudson...here is what I have to say to you: is this going to hurt you? I dont think so...in my say, this is a good thing because it shows that NH and all the other states that have passed the SSM bill care about what others think and how they feel.

I am proud to say that I am bisexual and my girlfriend and I are going to get married within the next few years, and if ytou dont like it thats fine by me because we dont need your aprooval to be happy!!
- Bridget, Raymond

Now I can no longer feel smug about having moved to Mass. I'm proud that my home state of NH has done the right thing! I believe that no one has the right to tell someone else who they can marry. Civil rights are not to be voted on. I doubt that the voters of Little Rock, AR would have held up desegregation, but they would have been wrong. I just don't understand what kind of busybodies care what other people do with their own lives, anyway.
- Eve, Somerville, MA

Hey JP in Bedford,

I'm well aware that gays and lesbians can adopt and foster kids in NH, I never said they couldn't. My point is that I don't want the next generation of kids thinking it's OK and doing the same things. I'm sure it still won't affect my life but it will affect the generations to come when less and less children are born and the culture cannot thrive.

Understand now Spanky?
- Reid, Hooksett

Six down, forty-four to go!

As a mother of two youngsters, I'm so proud to live in this state. I'm also very impressed with Governor Lynch. While he personally does not 'believe' in same-sex marriage, he still supported civil rights. One clip of him I saw on WMUR showed him signing the bill and handing the paper to someone with a very stiff, awkward smile on his face. All the more reason to be impressed--he did the right thing though he can't personally reconcile it to his own beliefs. THAT, my friends, is a consummate professional.

Civil rights are not something to put up for a vote. One thing I've heard bandied about is the possibility that narrow minded folks bent on forcing their religious beliefs on the rest of us here in NH, are looking to add non-binding referenda on local and county ballots to 'define' marriage as hetero-only. If that's the case, then here's one hetero mom who's going to go toe-to-toe with any hate group looking to remove civil rights from our state's citizens.

One other comment---unlike VT, couples who have already obtained a civil union can go ahead on Jan. 1, and apply to have the union transitioned to a marriage--with NO FEE! That's the stuff, NH! I'm very proud.
- Margaret B, Rindge

Here's an idea:

Stop being selective about who gets what rights. You can't just say well this person can have this rights, but no one else.

When we're children, if we're raised right, we're taught to treat everyone equally. Why should we stop as we get older?

Bigots and racists are disgusting people who are incredibly intolerant...oh wait I think I've seen this EXACT thing somewhere before. IT WAS CALLED THE HOLOCAUST.

Just because someone doesn't live up to your standards does NOT mean they shouldn't have the same rights.

So get your head out of your rears, stop acting like bigots and move forward or move out.
- Megan, Plymouth

I have a fairly simple solution. I think that all unions, be it man/woman, man/man or woman/woman, should from the state and federal view to be nothing more than civil unions or domestic partnerships. I think that if the hullabaloo is about what "marriage" is defined as based on your religious reasons just remove the word marriage from all government documents. Let individual religious organizations decide if they want to confer the status of married under god (whichever one they expouse) to any particular type of couple.
- Ed, Bourne, MA

Hooray! True conservatism (less government involvement in citizen's personal lives) have been supported with this vote! I am heterosexual and am happy to see equal rights upheld. Human rights do have precedence over the religious/personal beliefs. It is these rights that allow each of us to have and express our beliefs.

The vote is over. It is time to move past the debate about whether or not equal rights should be "given" to law-abiding, tax-paying folks and return to the more important business of getting the economy back in order.
- Paul, Manchester, NH

I've been sitting here for probably 20 minutes now reading as many of these comments as I can, should be working on other things, but I just have to say. I have heard absolutely no convincing arguments about what is wrong with this.

1) The term 'marriage' lost all of it's traditional meaning years ago when the divorce rate shot to 50% and every celebrity that could got a quickie marriage and an even quicker divorce.

2) There were several comments comparing gay marriage to polygamy, marrying pets, or siblings. I wonder if any of these comments are married, or even just dating someone. How would you feel if I compared you spouse/significant other to a dog, a sibling, or several people instead of just one?

3) What is there to be embarrassed about exactly? If you don't like gay marriages, don't attend them. The law specifically states that churches or other places of worship will not be forced to marry anyone they do not want to marry. I wonder if any of those that claim embarrassment for NH actually know any gay people. Or have even spoken to any. They're people just like you. They do embarrassing things, sure, but so do you. It's part of being human. The idea of being embarrassed for a state is just ridiculous.

4) Gay marriage is legal in my home state of CT because our state courts came to the decision that civil union is less than, and not equal to marriage. A very sound legal precedent.

5) This law makes me think three things:
-'all people are created equal'
-'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness'
-'live free or die'

44 more states to go until civil rights for all.
- Dallas, West Hartford, CT

Yee-Hah! I can't wait for the Gay parades down Elm St.! These notoriously licentious exhibitions, with sexually-provocative behavior and a serious lack of clothing is just an "alternative" to the normal, family-friendly or- GASP!- heterosexual parades, right?

That's what you get. Thanks, Lynch.

I do not care where anyone chooses to bump their uglies. Gays and lesbians have had the "civil rights" option of a legal Civil Union here in NH for years. But no- now it seems that is not good enough (as others warned us way back when, talk about a "slippery slope"! You were WARNED!!!) now it HAS to be the word "Marriage."

Well, guess what? You all just lost 22 previous supporters/voters in my family.

We are all for civil rights and the option to be wed to whichever non-related adult one likes in a Civil Union, but to then go for the brass ring- to legally re-define the word "Marriage"- is totally inappropriate!

We voters were assured years back that this would not happen. That a "Civil Union" would be enough for you. Obviously, you can't be trusted.

I am an atheist, and so I am not harmed by this decision on a religious basis. But my children will now be flooded with more of the "Two Mommies" or "Two Daddies" crap that has been flooding our public schools for the past 4 years.

Go ahead and celebrate with your "Wahoooo's" in this comment section, if it makes you feel good. Just remember this feeling, when other rights are taken away from you in three months' time. You'll know what I mean. Please copy this post and get back to me in September.
- Leslie, Manchester

I was watching a shopw about Jackie Robinson a few months ago, and my son, who is five, asked me who this man was. I had to try and explain the policies of segregation and inequality, which blew is mind. He couldn't fathom why people would be denied rights like that.

I think 30 years from now, my grandson will be equally amazed when my son tries to explain to him that this country used to deny a portion of society the right to be happily married.

Equal Rights- it's something even a 5 year old can understand is the right thing to do.
- Justin, Rochester

Despite the fact that none of my own elected reps voted for the bill (how enlightened, these GOP stalwarts), I'm thrilled that New Hampshire's government reps have taken such a stand. Bonds between two adults, gay or straight, have been the cornerstone of civilization for centuries.

In the end, gay marriage won't bring the heavens crashing down on us. It won't open the door for legalized pedophilia, bigamy or bestiality as the religious right have claimed. Certifying this legally signifies our state's commitment to legal protections for all citizens, not just heterosexuals. For that, I am proud.
- Randy, Londonderry, MH

It still amazes me how close-minded and ignorant some people are in this day and age.

Those of you with kids that are complaining you're going to pull up your stakes after your kids graduate - good. I am a gay male, and I don't have kids in the school system, yet, the money that comes out of my pocket, to pay my taxes, that go towards the school system to help pay the expenses for your kids to attend, will not longer support your kids, or your inherent ignorance. Have a nice day and a safe move!
- Rob, Manchester

I think this is crazy. Why do we have the right to decide who another person can love or marry. I am a straight woman but I don't think I or anyone has the right to choose for another person. Honestly, who are they hurting? Certainly not any of you.
- Karen, Allenstown

This is a loss for what NH was and represented what it has become. The "progressives" or the soccer mom well to do legislators, have no value for tradition and independence. NH asserted our independence by providing for civil unions early which I applauded. If there was a problem with the civil union legislation it should have been corrected, co-opting the definition of marriage was not the answer. Lynch and others who approved this change will not get my vote, its just that simple.
- Mike, Newmarket

Lynch lost the trust of New Hampshire and will thrown out of office next year. Absolutely disgusted!!! The movement to pass a constitutional amendment to proclaim Marriage is between and man and a woman begins today.
- Jack Truman, Middlton

After living in this state for 45 years, I will have to say that I am ashamed to admit that I live in New Hampshire!!

As soon as the kids are out of the school system, I'm selling the house, pulling up my stakes and leaving this state for good. The Democrats have ruined New Hampshire beyond repair.
- Larry, Nashua

As an openly gay male I think I have a valid reason to make a point on this topic. I am a firm believer as I have been since I was 18 that church and state needs to be seperate at all levels. Born and raised a catholic, I believe marriage is a religious institution. So if you want to be married, do it in a church. A civil union is a goverment union to protact anyone, in this case same sex, on a legal level. I am firm believer you should have to apply for a civl union no matter who marries, man and woman, man and man , or woman and woman in the eyes of the state. That makes it legal, and if you are doing it in a church, or with a religious person officiating , they whip out a marriage certificate. I was happy with civil unions, except I could not change my last name. Marriage for me gives me what a civil union does not. A chance to truly start a whole new life and give our kids somthing they have never had, a family.
- Laurence McGrath, Franklin, NH

I see this as a victory for true conservatism, which is suffering in this country precisely because it isn't conservative.

Conservatism to me with respect to government means, the less government in our business, the better. Don't take and spend so much of our money, and don't tell us what we can and cannot do -- within reasonable bounds, of course, which is why this law doesn't change the fact that incest, polygamy and underage marriage still aren't legal and shouldn't be.

What we've had instead is that conservatism has come to mean, still spend a lot of money but in *their* ways, and still use government to advance a primarily religious agenda.

I applaud the Senate, Legislature and Governor for finally bringing this law to pass. Now let's move on and bring the cost of government down too. Letting people keep more of their hard-earned money will have a bigger impact on quality of life than almost anything else.
- Larry, Manchester

There are those that support, those that oppose and those that just don't care about this new law.

A Google search of New Hampshire House and New Hampshire Senate will lead you to a roll call of how your representative voted on HB73.

There is one way to send a message to elected officials that do not reflect your views or the views of the majority of the people - vote them out in the next election!
- Don, Berlin

Can we start a petition to stop this before Jan 2010? Anyone know how to get one started? Maine is trying.
- Ron, Litchfield

I just hope none of the negative posters on here are divorced. Because then they would be hypocrites because that would be defiling the oath that they took when they got married and take away the sacredness of it. Personally this does not affect me at all. I think it might even be a boost for the economy.
- Cecil, Manchester

I don't recall getting to vote on this.
Regardless of where anyone stands on this, the public official who was voted into office, did not stand by their election platform. Where do we go from here?

Too little too late at the next election.
I am regularly ashamed by the lack of fortitude/commitment by our "elected officials. How does anyone explain to our children (our future) how government is supposed to work?
- Holly, Manchester NH

How bizarre to see self-styled 'conservatives' arguing against the expansion of civil rights and away from government control of people's private affairs.

Or, in a similar vein, to hear these same folk claiming this is bringing about the demise of New Hampshire - the very bastion of personal liberty.

Congratulations to the Legislature and the Governor! You've lived up to the state motto and protected the rights of the religious folk too - though some don't seem to realise it yet, perhaps in time they will.
- tom, Candia

Changing the definition of a word does nothing to change the eternal truth. I'll stick with the eternal truth.
- Peter, Hookset

I Support Gay Marriage!
It's a great day for NH!
- Kevin, Mancheser

Hey Reid,

Gay and lesbian couples have long been approved to adopt and foster children in NH. Apparently it has so affected your life that you never even noticed. The world didn't end and it won't now. Equality for all!!!!
- JP, Bedford

To Kirk in Raymond:
You said: "One of you conservatives need to explain to me exactly how two guys getting married does you any harm. In the final analysis, a marriage contract is nothing more than an agreement to share debts and assets. What's the big deal?"

Here ya go. Somebody killing someone else doesn't harm me either, but I don't like to see it happen. A child molester defiling an innocent child doesn't harm me, but it enrages me. A goofball beating a dog doesn't harm me, does it harm you? Then why would you oppose it? Gays had Civil Unions!
- DF, Candia

Seems the vast majority of comments, both for and against gay marriage, underscore the divisive nature of public discourse today and the penchant for personal attack, instead of reflecting an effort, or even an interest, in understanding and discussing different viewpoints. I do not believe sexual orientation is a choice. Do heterosexuals freely choose their sexual orientation? No. I am a heterosexual, and I know my orientation was not a choice. I think those who oppose gay marriage are concerned about, and--in many cases--afraid of the affect it may have on our culture and our children. There is a lot of fear on the part of opponents. Instead of attacking or insulting opponents, the supporters of gay marriage should first seek to understand, and then respond appropriately. Same for the opponents; they should look inward and examine their own beliefs and feelings. Only then can honest, meaningful dialogue take place. Otherwise we're left with people just sounding off. Although I support traditional marriage, I don't oppose gay marriage. I think Gov. Lynch got it right.
- John, Manchester

It's a real shame that the people were denied a voice in this process. Governor Lynch lied and the people will not forget.
- John, Newmarket

Hey, Gays have the right to miserable too!
- MIke Johnson, Manchester NH

I'm proud to live in a state that stands for equality. Thank you to Gov. Lynch and all the good Legislators who voted for equal marriage rights.
- Wayne, Warner

Marriage is far more than two individuals in love who desire to commit their lives to only one another. Legally, that is done by a civil union. Marriage, by definition, is a covenant-a sacred promise between a man and a woman that brings with it the openess to the creation of new life, perfectly provided for biologically, with the blessings of children. Every human person deserves a mother and a father who possess such a covenant freely chosen. This insures the likelihood of joy and security for each new member of the human family.

Instead of choosing to redefine what a marriage is, let us instead act honestly and call our invention by an original term. Let's hold the integrity to live honestly and not seek to imitate what a marriage is by definition. Marriage, a transcendent joining of a man and a woman. is the perfectly designed haven for the creation of family and has been so since the beginning of recorded history-cross-culturally.

If ones goal is to achieve a sense of unconditonal love, belonging and acceptance with another for the rest of this life and share that with someone else, it will not be legitimately achieved by calling a same-sex union a "marriage." It is simply ill-defined.
- R.R., Hopkinton

I recall one day years ago seeing Mother Theresa on TV. She surprised me by saying the world's greatest problem was not poverty, it was loneliness. That comment struck me then and has proven correct, in my mind, over time.

This law directly addresses her concern, so I think it's a good thing, also perfectly Constitutional, and repositions the moral high ground to the middle where it belongs. We have a very wise Gov Lynch.
- Gary G., Manchester

Live Free or Die, indeed. Bravo NH!
- Ben, Manchester

Brian, Farmington

Calm down son, you sound like you need a girlfriend, or "significant other."

Anyway the, "...fools who say it's nobody's busy who marries who..," like me, would inform you this law pertains to adults over the age of consent, not the nonsense relationships you babble about.

I can see this is killing the koolaid and baloney crowd, but you should save your outrage for things that affect YOUR life. The majority wanted this to pass.
- Louise, Bedford

A couple of things...

First, to all the Kumbaya-singing loons who act as if they've acheived something momentous, you may have "won" this fight, but the real losers will be those in the state government who voted this into law. It starts with the paper Governor and will extend to each and every state Sentator and Rep who voted for it. They may not want to put gay "marriage" on the ballot for all voters to decide on, but rest assured, the voters will have their say once election day arrives and these same people find themselves out of office.

Secondly, lets take a cultural long-term look at the issue. Do we want these gay couples to adopt children and expose them to their aberrant lifestyle? Or, do we want more gay couples marrying with no chance at procreation, thereby decreasing the possibilities of our culture continuing?

Either way, thanks NH government for all the hard work. Maybe now you can find the time to change the name of Twin Mountain to "Brokeback Mountain."
- Reid, Hooksett

I don't hear you people who are calling for the people to vote calling for a vote on heterosexual marriage. Let's put it on the ballot. Let's also put divorce on the ballot.
- David, Salem

All the reasons cited by these haters are all STUPID.

First, how can you guarantee that gay marriage will lead to sibling marriage and polygamy? What's the logic behind your reasoning?

If it's the fact that a good number of people have just received equal rights and other "weirder" rights must follow, did interracial marriage lead to any sibling marriage, polygamy, or animal marriage? NO.

Second, why did democracy get tainted by the Congress' decision? They did not take any power from the people or from your so called democracy. In the first place, we voted for them to REPRESENT US and our VIEWS. That's why America has a representative type of democracy, not direct. If it was direct, all the laws passed by the federal government MUST be VOTED upon by each and everyone of us...then that's going to be much chaos.

What kind of idiots are you guys? Admit it! The image of two men, fondling each other, making out and touching each other just DISGUSTS you! This is why you use even the stupidest reasons just to HIDE your bigotry and hatred.

Well, IN YOUR FACE...SAME SEX MARRIAGE is NOW Legal in NH..HAHA!

Cry me a river!

And just what many of you told gay californians when Prop 8 passed.

A Yes is a YES. Move somewhere else if you don't agree. Right back at yah.
- Angeli, Manchester

That was my last vote for Lying Lynch. He should be ashamed. I think I can hear the old man of the mountain crying. What a sad day for NH.
- Kathy, Lebanon

This is a great day for New Hampshire!

To those opposed, mind your own business! No one is forcing you to marry someone of the same sex. There is no reason to go out of your way to promote hate! I dare you to find one reason that this will personally affect you!

To everyone who fought to make this possible-- congratulations! You did it!
- Jessica, Derry

I've never been threatened by homosexuality, live and let live I say. I'm glad to see people that love each other can legally express it here in NH. I remember when this was first reported on here, people said it would never happen it would never pass. I'm glad to see those fools proven wrong. Now it's time to pass a medical marijuana law (another law the brain donors that post here said will never pass). Live free or die NH. Job well done!
- Bill, Andover

Can we all agree to discuss this issue without using the "slippery slope" argument - widely recognized as a vapid and unimpressive reasoning in any context? You show you're intellectual limitations when you do so.

Discuss the debate at hand - leave future discussions for the future.
- James L. Booker, Brookline, NH

Ah, the sweet sound of Republicans whining that their increasingly-unpopular views aren't being respected. The same screams of "This will doom the Democrats!" were heard back when they passed civil unions, remember? Ultimately no one is harmed by marriage equality, and anyone who's enough of a kook to base their vote on that wasn't voting for anyone less right-wing than Mussolini anyhow. Good show, Governor Lynch!
- Peter, Canterbury

It will pain me to mark 'regrets' on the invitation to every gay weddings I'm invited to for the rest of my life but I'm sure they will understand because they're tolerant and accepting of others' viewpoints, right? (That's some heavy sarcasm in case you missed it). All discrimination ended when they won civil unions but nooooo, they just HAD to demand the word marriage and really rub their lifestyle in our faces. Disgusting. And I was perfectly OK with civil unions too. Celebrate today, but be prepared for some serious voter backlash.
- Joe v., Nashua

We got married in Worcester 11/25/05.
We have lived together(mostly in NH) for the last 24 years. I am a NH native. We are moving back to the Granite State in a couple of weeks. this is better than an apple pie or a box of whoopie pies as a gift to us. To re-hash the Shaw Bros from Dovah: When the first rays of the sun shine upon Mt Washington, I know how it feels to be New Hampshire high. I love New Hampshire naturally. Thank you, Governor Lynch, kind sir. peace
- bradley, jefferson, ma

Judges 21:25 says "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did what was right in his own eyes." Throughout the millenia, marriage has been a religious issue, separation of church and state should favor keeping it out of our laws, not demanding me as a pastor honoring gay marriage. The state can make civil unions because that truly is a state's issue. Marriage is far more than a contract, and shame on the USA for reducing it to that point.

We have a weak king who has decided to allow every man in the house and senate to do what is right in their own eyes. If you want God's blessings, quit mocking God's laws.
- George Barbour, Newbury

I'm so proud that people are open minded enough to have passed this law. I'm straight, but I think that any couple who loves each other should have the same rights I do.

For all you people who are saying this is ridiculous and are disgusted, here's an idea, move to a state that doesn't allow gay marriage, or...DON'T MARRY A MEMBER OF THE SAME SEX. No one's forcing you to marry someone of the same gender. If you don't like it, look away or don't do it. Let people live their own lives. No one comes and tells you sitting on your porch, drinking beers & being racist or homophobic is against the law.

Interesting how I never homosexual couples in the news for abusing their children or running meth labs in their houses...they're all "normal" male-female married couples. Hmm.
- Tara, Manchester

Does this mean I will no longer be forced to watch the lady with the man's voice hugging her "partner" who has a moustache followed by the two guys with ponytails telling me how much they love each other every night on channel 9? Yes? Ya baby ! Woot Woot .. Now that the legislature has lured these unsuspecting victims to the altar, how about raising the marriage license fee to $1,000 dollars. What the heck, the democrats/communists who are running NH have raised every other fee.
- tom, manchester,nh

Hey N.H. all I can say is that my prayers for you were answered. Yeah and Congratulations! I prayed so hard lately that New Hampshire would let all of it's people be able to live free.
- Jeff, Sandown, NH

Hey Marc in Weare: Oh boo hoo. Tell me exactly how this is discriminatory against you. You can still do exactly as you want can't you. I'm sorry that your party has gone from the pinnacle of power to the depths of insignificance so quickly. Maybe you and your conservative buddies shoyuld look at that huh?
- Cathy, Littleton

Congratulations to NH on such a bold and progressive step.

That said, the Lynch amendment is redundant and a bit insulting. The First Amendment prevents the government from forcing religions to recognize or perform any form of marriage, so specifically highlighting gay marriage is superfluous and shows a desire to discriminate.

Otherwise, if this is what it takes to get enough votes, so be it.
- AxelDC, Montreal, QC

if you deny people basic human rights, you write them off as something less than human.
- jeff, pelham

This is a sad day for N.H.
If the reports that most N.H. residents oppose this same sex marriage then now is the time to organize to remove Pinocchio Lynch and every Democrat and REPUBLICAN who voted to pass this terrible legislation. And let us research which Republicans kept missing the votes on this bill - and call them out on it - and maybe - throw them out!
I for one will NOT support any Republican who voted in the majority.
And watch for phonies (headline seekers that they are) who like to grab headlines that they ARE going to do something about gay marriage the way they promised to do something about “civil unions". How many residents of DiFruscia’s district have had it with him? Next election: get rid of him!
Bob from Hudson: if you truly did vote for Lynch then do not pretend to be a conservative.
bnyoung@metrocast.net
- Niel Young, Laconia

To all those whining about how this should have been up to a public vote, can you guess what the public opinion of interracial marriage was in 1967 (Hint: 70% against)? Part of the reason we have Constitutions and courts is to protect the rights of the minority FROM the majority. Are you going to claim that the majority has always been right throughout history? The people that WE DID vote for did the very thing that should have been done, and did not submit to populism, a populism which, by the way, is not currently reflected in public opinion polls of our own state.

Congratulations to my state for standing up for it's ideals and motto. I'm proud to continue to live in a state that is a pioneer in individual rights.

Live free or die!
- Luke, Concord

It's sad to me to see all the people who cheer this on. If this argument was only about equal rights why is a civil union not good enough its about trying to litigate our churches out of existance. Once churches deny to marry a gay couple or they hold a sermon on how gay is an abomination to our Lord then they will be sued if you really cared about separation of church and state you would be intellectually honest enough to see this hipocracy and that it will lead to gov. controlling church speech so thank you for promoting the fascist government that should be altogether out of our bedrooms and personal lives.
- Dan Cameron, Londonderry, nh

Brian from Farmington:---

"We might as well go all the way and legalize recreational sex for everyone."

Um, other than age of consent laws, it already is legal for everyone. You thought it wasn't? What alternate reality are you living in, Brian?
- Jeremy J. Olson, Grafton

Hurray for New Hampshire. Who would have thought it would be even more progressive than California. I'm very proud to be from New Hampshire.
- Sean, Dublin, CA

Marriage is now meaningless in the Granite State. It's only a matter of time before other special interest groups argue for their "rights", and the precedent set here will allow them to get their way. Want to marry two women? Sure. Ten men? Okay! Want to marry yourself? Why not, can't discriminate.

Shame on you Lynch. I doubt the greater part of the population supports this. This is but another failure of our representatives to represent the will of the people.
- Alex, Nashua

Yes, Alex. When they remove the biological base of marriage -- two people of opposite gender -- marriage is an arbitrary, meaningless term that will flap in the wind. Two men or two women together aren't the same as marriage, there is no discrimination -- it just isn't the same and hasn't been for thousands of years.
Sit tight -- Just like California, it will all be different in a couple of years.
- Maureen, Hollis

Congratulations, liberals and liberaltarians, you have destroyed the plain meaning of the word "marriage." It now means whatever an active, well-funded minority says it means and can force onto a gullible legislature afraid of being called "bigots."

Is it still legal to oppose the Leftist gay agenda? Will I be fined for posting this? Will the UL even post it? Or will I be accused of a "hate crime" for standing with 5,000 years of history?

Oh, and Gov. Lynch broke a promise today. He's toast in 2010.
- James, Manchester

Governor Lynch supports individual rights and freedom. He has done the right thing.

What a great Governor!
- Bob Jean, Northwood, NH

Governor "Flinch" is a spineless, fence riding, coward who has no leadership abilities. He needs to be voted OUT along with all of these other liberals and RINO's in the next election. A very sad day for society and NH.
- Brian, Londonderry

Who cares! This feel good law still doesnt fix the state economy, and fill the half a billion dollar hole that Lynch and his Democrats put us in.
- Alex K., Deering, NH

I'm now ashamed to be a Democrat!
- Ralph, Hudson

THe Governor has shown true followship not leadership and I'm sorry I voted for him. If someone can't stand by his principles he deserves to be voted out of office.
This is not religion, church and state, but biological fact -- Marriage is between those of opposite gender and no redefinition will make it any different -- it's still scientific fact. This has nothing to do with Gays or straights, it's biology.
Never mind, NH will end up following again -- following California and reversing this silliness
- Sally, Nashua

We'll need a two pronged approach. First,get rid of these pols who caved in to the homosexual mafia. Second, amend the state Constitution to define marriage as it should be,that is one man,one woman.(Evidently there ae some people who can't seem to figure this one out.) The sooner we can overcome this abomination the better. And please, to all of you so called equality types. Where were you when there was a bill giving fathers an equal footing with regards to parental rights? We were told that we had to proceed slowly for that. But marraiges for homosexuals, the Legis. moved at warp speed. This was all nothing but a scam.
- R. Cassidy, Hudson

Well New Hampshire, you wanted change and here it comes. The most un-shocking aspect of this whole silly "battle" was Governor Lynch waffling on his beliefs - again. So now its done. Men can marry men and women can marry women. Lets see if the legislatures can rally around the less important issues like the collapsing economy and learning how to spend within the confines of a budget.
- Sean G., Alton

This is disgusting. I am so ashamed that not just New Hampshire but New England is now pro-homosexual. What's next somebody is going to want to marry their dog? Their sister? if we don't let them do that then that is discrimination isn't that right all you gay supporters? I can't believe this California and Rhode Island are like the gay capitals of the world and they don't even pass the gay marriage bill. You have to be kidding me. With all the bad things that are going on in the world with terrorist and the economy etc. All our government thinks about his gay marriage. This is terrible. I used to live in Los Angeles and it was all gays and we barely have any gays here. Why did we pass gay marriage if there is barely any gays here compared to other places? I don't even want to know what it is going to be like in 20 years from now. What are we going to teach our kinder gardeners now that its ok to be gay? Yeah Jimmy it's ok for you and Johnny to go make out the New Hampshire Government approves. This is going to backfire on our youth within the next 100 years. And we could of prevented it.
- Josh Jaskolka, Manchester

It's about time - equal rights for all in regards to marriage has been long overdue. Let's stop the judgment and hatred and discrimination, It's time to celebrate the power of love! Hooray!!
- Genie Dean, Bedford, NH

Captain Kirk of Raymond -- I'll answer your question about how this harms us "conservatives." First, this is not just about you, me, or any gays. Stop being short-sighted. It is about our children -- our priority in life. When gays marry, and "acceptance" of that lifestyle is subsequently forced into the K-5 and beyond public school curriculum, that directly harms my kids, grandkids, etc. And/or I effectively lose the use of the public schools I help pay for because their agenda is a poison pill for me. The harm is due to the use of cultural and eventually legal forces to indoctrinate my kids, grandkids, etc. with the liberal's version of humanism -- their religion per a SCOTUS decision. We are witnessing the gradual supplanting of Judeo-Christian values in law with laws reflecting the religion of humanism.

In time, more direct harm will come to me and my progeny. Scripture and my faith insists that homosexuality, and by extension gay marriage, is wrong. My First Amendment right to denounce gay behavior and gay marriage is already ridiculed but in time I will likely get fired from my job, then ostracized and called names like "religious nutjob." In the end, I will be discriminated against, fined, and/or imprisoned for expressing my faith, despite the First. Ordinary Christians will be treated like the K.K.K. under the "changed" law of the land. There is no genuine "respect for diversity" from their side at all.

That's the direct harm to me and my progeny. Whooosh! Down the slippery slope we go. Q.E.D.
- Ed Holdgate, Sandown, NH

The radical right wing and Jeb Bradley have received their wish. It is over and the legislature can now move on to what Jeb considers more importent matters.
As for myself and all other people of faith one thing we can all agree upon is : "Thank you God. Thy will be done." Even the legislature can be open to the intervention of the Holy Spirit. They were and they did the right thing. And it happened in increasing numbers!
Greg Barrett
- Greg Barrett, Manchester

All of you who believe we have become the San Francisco of the East and want to do more that just gripe about it, run for State Representative in 2010!

go to http://www.sos.nh.gov/register%20and%20run.html
- Bill, Manchester

Intelligent, tolerant and compassionate legislation grounded in the firm separation of church and state. It seems to be the American Ideal (no, not Idol). Why did this take so long in NH, the 6th wealthiest and one of the most educated states in the country? Let's hope that this spirit of America- intelligent debate and respect for all fellow citizens- continues, and helps define us as THE place to live.
- Bob Jones, Bedford

Wake up people,as it is we the people that should have had a vote to vote this down. This is what we get when we have libs running the state and even Lynch has become a disgrace. When laws that have been great for the good of society get trashed and that is what has happened for political purposes it is truely a sad day for this state-Please take "LIVE FREE OR DIE"off our license plates as this was not voted by the people
- nancy, kensington,NH

Well, if this can't get the Republicans some votes, then I guess they don't deserve to be in office. And obviously the majority of the state is Democrat right now, so what's the problem with it passing? We voted - they (the legislature) voted. Democracy works fine if you ask me.
- PJ, Boscawen

I applaud the legistlature, and congratulate the governor for standing up for human rights. I loved the quote from Rep. DiFriscia that I read earlier today, saying that "if you have no choice as to your sex...or as to your color"....then we darned well better protect your rights to life, liberty and happiness. A new day has dawned in New Hampshire. Very happy for all of you.
- Timothy J. Mannion, Montclair, NJ

To those fools who say it's nobody's busy who marries who, how about a 30 year old man marrying a 15 year old girl? Nobody's business? How about polygamy? Nobody's business? To those fools who say the legislature and the courts should make the laws, just who are the senators and representatives suppose to represent? The people or some abstract throught? And aren't the courts charged with interpreting the law? Or did something change along the way that gave the courts power to make laws? In some of those countries where same sex marriage was legalized some time ago, the current crusade is to legalize polygamy. Surprised? You shouldn't be. After all, if two guys can live together as husband and wife, or is it shim and shim, why shouldn't a guy be allowed to marry and live with two women. At least in that marriage it's easy to figure out who the husband and wives are. Well, at least this might mean a few more bucks in the coffers of Hallmark - kids will need cards for "Daddy & Daddy" or "Mommy & Mommy" and relatives and friends will need cards for "Brother & Brother-in-law and all that rot. What a fine, morally upright society we've become. We might as well go all the way and legalize recreational sex for everyone.
- Brian, Farmington

What a wonderful day for New Hampshire!!!!
- Kathy, Keene

All you zealots make me laugh.

No one will be forced to do anything they don't want. No, a DJ won't be forced to play music at a gay wedding reception - just like they aren't forced to do it for a heterosexual marriage.

It is about time NH moves into the 21st century. Kudos to all who voted in favor. This heterosexual does not fear gay marriage.

Let's celebrate!
- Spiro, Rochester

I am very proud to say I'm a native New Hampshirite today. It is heartening to realize that the state of my birth recognizes that equal rights means exactly that. Not more. Not less. But equal. God bless you all. Peace.
- Joel, Nashua

When you change the definition of a word (marriage) ....it simply LOSES ITS MEANING.
- Kevin Mueller, Plymouth

I support gay marriage because it is so much fun to watch the right wing foam at the mouth over it.
- LJC, Manchester

Makes me proud to live in NH. I can't understand why some people on here feel so threatened. My wife and I married 3 years ago and I cannot begin to imagine how two men or two women being officially married rather than being in a civil union will hurt the love and coommitment we have. If you really think gay marriage will hurt your marriage or harm you in any way whatsoever, maybe you should focus on your own relationships and not other people's private business.
- dr, Hanover

What a great day for NH. Hats off to the people fighting discrimination everywhere.
- Tim, Manchester, NH

OK, let's have a show of hands: "How many of you are losing your spouses to members of the same sex now that gay marriage is legal?"

(Long silence)

No volunteers, I guess. Well, where's your dog in this fight? Don't start with the nonsense that Marc is peddling, that somehow 'good people are being discriminated against'. What's the discrimination? That you are forced to share marital status with people who may be just as moderate in their private habits and generous in their civic commitments as you are? And who besides you decided that prejudice and being 'good' are compatible?

What's next? Affidavits from straights that they don't engage in (ahem) 'unusual sexual activities? Since when is any of this your concern? You're free to conduct yourself as you see fit, but we don't need any mullahs in this state telling people how to live their lives.

I've lived in NH all my life, and frankly I resent it when the 'New Hampshire Way' becomes a slogan for greed instead of what it really stands for: Minding your own business.
- zoot, Manchester

I am a Conservative Republican and I did like/support/back Lynch up to now. Now I am against Lynch.

HE SHOULD BE ASHAMED!!!!

The difference between marriage of different religions and/or races is that the bodies of the individuals involved were, by nature, meant to mate. This is part of a deviant lifestyle that Obama should create a Czar over to resolve!
- Bob, Hudson

OK, Now lets get to the business of straightening out the budget mess, and other important business!
- Bill, Stratford

Ah, the sweet smell of progress and victory over discrimination.
- John, Plymouth

No incumbents, vote them all out. They are not representing the people.
- Dave, Kingston

Steve, It's democratic cancer...it's spreading through the state and it soon will be crossing borders...I suggest your try to build a wall now as time allows for you to. Good Luck...
I for one will be noting who voted this legislation in and rest assured change will be coming.
We need Gov. Sununu back!!!
- mike, auburn

To Mike in Manchester.

The laws against incest (which I assume New Hampshire has) effectively rule out sibling marriage. So, yes, there is already a legal predecent in place.

And there is no logical reason that gay marriage leads to sibling marriage. The argument a red herring.

The legality of gay marriage in your neighboring jurisdications (Canada, Massachusetts, Connecticut) have not led to such requests, except among those who want to prey on irrational fears.
- Sandy, Norwalk, CT

I want to marry myself! Equal rights for me.
- Bob, Manchester, NH

Congrats! Not gay, but its about time that religion stop running our country!
- Sean, Salem

One of you conservatives need to explain to me exactly how two guys getting married does you any harm. In the final analysis, a marriage contract is nothing more than an agreement to share debts and assets. What's the big deal? So far the only arguments I've heard from those against it are that they are offended by it. I checked the Bill of Rights, there is nothing in there that says we are all free from being offended. Get on with it, and get over it, so these people can come out of the shadows and live normal lives. In my lifetime in NH I have seen these men beaten, mercilessly hazed and harassed, and subjected to any and all kinds of discrimination, and for decades the police pretty much looked the other way. It is time for these people to have the same rights as the rest of us, they were born who they are and have no control over it.
- Kirk, Raymond

Let's just legalize consanguine marriage and plural marriage while we are at it. Someone should issue an apology to the State of Utah for forcing it to abandon plural marriage as a pre-condition for statehood. It is all going to go downhill.
- Nicholl, Manchester

Same sex marriage is a civil rights issue and should NOT be left for the voters to decide. Look what happened in California where Mormons from all over the country injected their fear and their checkbooks into the debate.

Was inter-racial marriage legalized by white voters in the South? Were schools desegregated in the South because white voters decided it was discriminatory? Civil rights in the 1960's did white people suddenly decide that bla,cks should sit anywhere on the bus and at the lunch counter and vote to make it so? No, no and no.

Civil rights for minority groups are almost always passed in legislatures and the courts.
- Jamie Morgan, Concord, NH

well, UL has not posted it yet...but i figured I'd give all you haters the word that the house did pass the bill. HURRAY!!!
- michael, manchester, nh

Why are only religious organizations exempt from refusing service to these homosexuals?

Anyone who finds homosexuality disgusting should be able to refuse them service. They are not some people who are only different because of their color or race. They are sexual perverts. You should be able to refuse them service on that basis alone.

Should a wedding D.J. or band be forced to partake in their "make believe" marriage ceremony if they find the idea disgusting? That is exactly what this law would do.

Do not use the rule of law to legitimize these people's perversion.
- David, Bedford

As long as the bill allows a church to deny marriage against their religon I am glad this will finally pass. There are many churches which will marry gay couples but you know there will be some tolerance nazis out there who will search around for a church that won't marry them and then sue to force a church to marry them just to spite the church.
- Brian, Wakefield

Governor Flynch has already proven to be a typical Obama style Democrat by reversing directions on such an important issue to NH citizens.
Put it to a vote! Stop telling us what YOU think and let us tell you what WE think!

California take-two. Time for a constitutional amendment.
- bob, nashua

Because Steve (SC), there isn't a palm tree's chance in NH it would come close to passing. The NH Democrats have their agenda and don't give a hoot what it's citizens think, and although our (D) Gov. personally doesn't support gay marriage he's terrified of the rath of the liberal activists that run our State, who are from "out of State".

RIP NH.
- DF, Candia

For those arguing that this is a frivalous issue that has nothing to do with the economy, they are very wrong. Many of the rights at the state level that you take for granted are very much about the economic viability of the family unit over its lifetime. Sure, NH has civil unions but the label of marriage is a word that opens doors and explains to the community this is not only a family but an economic entity worthy of protecting. Marriage in the eye of the state is an important distinction in the world of economics. It is discrimination but it is also about the protection of families who deserve respect by the state as well. And in the totality of it all, this issue is a private matter that is secular under state law and no one else's business.
- Sean, Baltimore, MD

Interesting that Senate Judiciary Committee chair Sen. Deborah Reynolds, D-Plymouth, said that the practice of removing someone who did not agree with the the committee of conference for refusing to consent to compromise language has been used by Senate presidents going back to 1992.

I think understanding that marriage is between a man and a woman has been going on for millenia, but that did not matter.

The attitude that a law can be made that permits "marriage" between two men, or two women, reminds me of Caligula making his horse a Roman Senator. Caligula's nonsense occured early in the decline of the Roman Empire. Well, those who voted today in the Senate to affirm gay "marriage" may have much in common with the backside of Caligula's "senator".
- Dave, Northwood

The mainstream wants it both ways. Long lines of people line up at the DMV everyday to surrender their constitutional rights for benefits as a Driver . Obviously the State can license anything they want. If they can license back your constitutional rights as a privilidge then they can license gay marriage, abortion or ANYTHING, all they need is an agency to do it and enough volunteers. Start the drum roll and line up
- Steve, Manchester

To Steve in Greenville: we generally consider a system of elected representatives "democracy," and it's worked pretty well for the last 200+ years. If you need evidence of why direct democracy doesn't work, look at California's budget.

Of course, you're in South Carolina, so I'm not sure why a ballot referendum on laws in New England is so important to you.
- Dan, Boston, MA

We are your brothers, sisters (Candace Gingrich), mothers, fathers (Jim McCrery), sons (David Knight son of Pete Knight), daughters (Mary Cheney and Maya Keyes), heroes (Mark Bingham UAL FLT 93, David Charlebois AA FLT 77).

Marc from Weare:

When was the last time a Republican was bludgeoned to death with an axe handle and thrown onto burning tires for being Republican (see Billy Jack Gaither) or tortured, tied to a fence and murdered for being Republican (see Matthew Shepard)?

America is better that this. Let's move beyond the hate to the more important things in life.
- Cindy, Manchester

The best way I had this described to me is this. "What if someone came up to you and your wife of 20 years and said, You can't be married because YOU were divorced before". Its none of their DAMN business who I marry, just like its none of yours or anyone elses. If this bill is vetoed its going to CONTINUE leeching up time, money, effort and resources over something you should give a rats ass over. It sure as hell isnt going to affect my marriage of 23 years and NO ONE is going to decide what's right for me. The slippery slope is right...what the next reason to deny people their civil rights? Sign the damn bill into law and lets move on to things that DO affect us, like the horrible economy and job loss!
- Jim, Derry

Democrats are ruining New Hampshire! This bill should have never passed the legislature. Marriage is one man and one woman the majority of the people oppose this legislation and that is why the Democrats refuse to allow a popular referendum. Vote them all out of office next year and wake up New Hampshire!
- Peter, Brookline

Why are these goofball politicians so afraid to put the issue to a vote to the real democracy-deciders: the people? They say that Northeasterners are now pro-gay marriage so why don't they put it to a vote to prove it to the rest of the nation?
- Steve, Greenville, South Carolina

Please VETO this bill and be done with it!!!
- John, Hooksett

This year homosexual marriage, next year sibling marriage. The specific exclusion in this bill is clearly discriminatory (not to mention hateful). I can't wait for the court case.

Ridiculous you say, so is the concept of homosexual marriage. They should absolutely have civil legal rights but they can’t be married.

But, if the legislature says yes to them, they’ll have to say yes to siblings. Wait for it! It's coming. There's no logical argument against it (at least I haven't heard one yet on these pages).
- Mike, Manchester

Budgets, deficits, education, taxes - who cares? The most important thing is homosexual "marriage"!

Veto this nonsense and get to work on the people's business.
- Tom, Campton

OK Jeff... then who do you explain the discrimination against Conservatives, against Republicans, against good people with positive influence on society who have values and ethics... we are the newly discriminated against...
- Marc, Weare

The sliding down the slippery slope is about to start if the House signs this terrible bill.

I don't care if you think my opinion is wrong, the only thing I care about is that legalizing gay marriage is wrong.
- Bob, Hudson

Funny how Republicans never minded using the conference committee trick when it was to their benefit. After you hit someone, you can't complain that they hit you back.
- Peter, Canterbury

My god, people, give them their rights and lets move on to the important things like the economy! So much time and so much money spent on an issue that doesnt effect 90-some odd percent of us. They pay their taxes, they deserve the rights, end of story.
- Jim, Derry

CJ in Manchester: don't you have things a bit backwards? Slavery was abolished in the US in 1865.
- LJC, Manchester

So let me get this straight.. a guy can marry a guy or a gal, a gal can marry a gal or a guy.. but the guy or gal can't marry two guys or two gals at the same time. Why not? Seems to me, that's the next "civil rights" dispute that we MUST act to correct. Pretty soon marriage will be open to any and all.. except those without partners, and we'll have to include them as well so we don't hurt their feelings. What's the point? Just end the legal recognition of marriage and be done with it. Then the people can do whatever the heck they want.
- Alex, Nashua

Finally. One less group that's discriminated against.
- Jeff, Manchester, NH

Pass this bill already and move on. We don't even need the religious protection language. Religious institutions already have the right to marry or not marry whomever they choose. One day we'll look back on this in a similar light as that of the Civil Rights movement…sad that the struggle was/is long and hard, but happy it is finally corrected.

This has taken far too long - pass it and move on to other important issues of the day.
- cheryl, derry

"Reynolds said the practice has been used by Senate presidents going back to 1992"

Well, Reynolds, the practice of slavery has been in practice going back to 1865. Does that make it okay to do it now? I don't think so.
- CJ, Manchester