05/06/2009
New Hampshire Marriage Equality Bill Goes to Governor John Lynch
The New Hampshire House agreed to changes to the marriage bill made by the state Senate in a vote of 178-167, and the bill has been sent to Governor John Lynch for his signature. Will he or won't he is the question of the hour. I mentioned yesterday: In anticipation of the House's approval of the bill, Governor John Lynch's office has been inundated with more than 2,000 phone calls, 2,000 emails, and hundreds of pieces of mail.
Lynch has said he believes marriage to be between a man and a woman and
feels the state's civil unions are sufficient for equality. Said Lynch
after the Senate vote:
"I still believe the fundamental issue is about providing the same rights and protections to same-sex couples as are available to heterosexual couples. This was accomplished through the passage of the civil unions law two years ago. To achieve further real progress, the federal government would need to take action to recognize New Hampshire civil unions."
Maine Governor John Baldacci had similar views to Lynch before today, when Baldacci quickly signed the marriage bill into law, saying he had changed his mind about the issue.
The New Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition has been urging voters to call Lynch to tell him to support the bill. (That info is here.)
Previously
Marriage Equality Focus About to Turn Back to New Hampshire [tr]
Posted 6:22 PM EST by Andy Towle in Gay Marriage, New Hampshire, News | Permalink
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I think it's definitely telling that the "between a man and a woman" language is missing from his rhetoric this time around.
Posted by: Pender | May 6, 2009 6:32:13 PM
This will be a tougher one. He's much more known to be a moderate, consensus builder who only does what is popular.
While NH is newly blue, this is a Democrat who won re-election last time 74-26%. You dont win that huge in NH by stepping on toes. But, if you read his statement, he doesnt come out against this bill in his statement after the Senate passed it. I bet he was just like, well shit. Democratic Govs dont veto legislation from a Democratic state legislature, that is very rare to happen.
It's anyone's guess, :)
Posted by: Andrew | May 6, 2009 6:33:23 PM
Although I do bet Maine just passing it today is HUGE encouragement for him to sign it. It's some political cover as they are neighbors and have been quite similiar voting wise. Last Republican hold outs for some politicians, although not much longr for NH. Those Maine ladies will be there for a long time.
Posted by: Andrew | May 6, 2009 6:39:17 PM
So, Rhode Island, what's up?
Let's make it a grand slam for New England!
Posted by: Vince | May 6, 2009 6:39:28 PM
Anyone know why Gov. Lynch is expected to make a decision on the bill? I really hope he makes a FAVORABLE decision tomorrow so that we can keep the momentum going for another day.
I admit I'm not well clued in on all that's going on nationwide, but are any other states (besides WA, RI and the District) considering or debating marriage equality legislation, or at least have it on their legislative agenda?
Posted by: Julius | May 6, 2009 7:29:56 PM
BLAH! I meant: "Anyone know WHEN Gov. Lynch is expected..."
Posted by: Julius | May 6, 2009 7:30:47 PM
I think he should sign it considering he's surrounded at this point, lol.
Posted by: JerzeeMike | May 6, 2009 7:38:01 PM
Vince, a bill in RI is unlikely right now because the governor is a Republican against gay marriage. I don't think they have enough votes to override a certain veto there, but who knows? Maybe all the marriage equality victories lately will change some minds.
Julius, Governor Lynch must sign or veto the bill within five days, or it will pass into law without his signature. NY Governor Paterson has introduced a bill into the legislature, and we're still waiting on the California Supreme Court to rule on the constitutionality of Prop. 8. Those are the two states to watch right now, but hopefully, there will be more forward movement with all the momentum we've got.
Posted by: another Andy | May 6, 2009 8:14:30 PM
NJ will very likely pass it by the end of the year too.
Posted by: Chris | May 6, 2009 8:19:00 PM
@ Another Andy: Oh god, I totally forgot about the NY/Paterson bill. But, thank you for replying and filling me in.
@ Chris: That would really be great indeed.
If I'm not wrong, I think the CA Supreme Court is scheduled to announce its ruling early next month? I'm sure that the news networks will report on the lead-up and the eventual decision in earnest. I'm not sure why anyone would think that the court will not deem the Prop. unconstitutional after all that has happened since Nov. 4, 2008.
Momentum is really on our side, and a majority of the country is shifting too. Now if only the Big Guy in the Executive Mansion could offer some words of favorable support and lift a thumbs-up in a show of goodwill for the progress towards equal rights for all.
Posted by: Julius | May 6, 2009 8:46:06 PM
Our victory in Maine is probably short-lived until at least next year, thanks to a very well organized and ravenous anti-gay contingent there that loves subjecting
gay rights victories to the "people's veto" referendum. It is a
foregone conclusion that this will end up on the ballot in Maine. The
voters of Maine have overturned two gay rights laws since the 1990,
and upheld the last gay rights non-discrimination law. I have some
serious doubts whether Maine, arguably the most socially conservative
New England, will vote for same-sex marriage, especially since it
likely to be a special election held in June 2010. If we want to win
this one, we better start donating, volunteering (yes moving to Maine
for a while), and strategizing. Maine is gonna be the new California,
and should know better this time around.
Posted by: Javier | May 6, 2009 9:42:15 PM
I have a new slogan for them if the governor doesn't sign...
New Hampshire - The Arkansas of New England
But I think he'll sign in which case we can give the slogan to Rhode Island.
(Arkansas is the state that passed the anti-gay adoption bill in November) Florida did too, but Arkansas works better for the slogan.
Posted by: Dan | May 7, 2009 2:10:34 AM
If he thinks that the civil unions are equal then he should have no trouble signing it. If they are really the same, then the governor should be all for it. This is proof that they are not the same.
Posted by: Aiden Raccoon | May 7, 2009 9:06:42 AM
Governor Lynch please consider taking this issue to the public for a vote. I hope NH does not have to follow suit with our neighboring states.
You have kept your promise to veto any sales tax, please consider your own view on gay marriage.....many people in this state feel the same way.....marriage defined as between one man and one woman.
Posted by: Linda | May 7, 2009 9:15:48 AM
Hey Linda...
Please go back to the ignorant hole that you crawled out of...let me guess, you are a bitter unattractive spinster who has nothing going on in her life, so you want to take away civil rights and happiness from couples who actually care about each other?
Posted by: BostonGuy | May 7, 2009 9:26:15 AM
Don't worry Linda, I'll make sure he gets your message. In fact, from now on, please forward all of your concerns regarding traditional marriage directly to this blog. I'll be happy to get those messages to just the right people.
Posted by: ZnSD | May 7, 2009 2:35:26 PM