Same-Sex Marriage Becomes Law

Followers of this year’s gay marriage debate have learned to roll with the punches. Same-sex marriage has overcome negative votes out of committee, been voted down, up, up, down and up by the full house -- along the way surviving a threatened veto. It had its strongest showing when it counted most, on language that exempts church-affiliated entities from having to participate in same sex weddings.

"198 having voted in the affirmative, 176 in the negative, the committee of conference report is adopted. Will the house please be in order? (gavel.)"

As spectators spilled out of the gallery, so did the emotion.

"sigh"

Ann Johnston is from Spofford.

“I’ve been waiting for this for years, and now I’m glad I can marry the one who I truly love and not have to have another name for something and just because the person happens to be a female. It means so much.”

A dozen feet away, Barbara Haines of Manchester, clutched a religious pamphlet, and stressed that anyone who’d tolerate gay marriage has serious problems.

“We need to help them come to understand that those who teach and preach that homosexuality is ok, these people are deceived, for homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Hard to know, but what is clear is that same sex-couples are now getting plenty of support from Governor Lynch. He signed the bill shortly after it passed. And when he did, he didn’t sound like a man who’d been torn on the issue.

“With the signing of this legislation today, NH will have taken every action possible to ensure that every family will have equal rights to the extent that it is possible under state law. Unfortunately the federal government does not extend the same rights protection that NH provides same sex families. And that should change.”

“I was shocked at how moving the governor’s speech was. I mean, I knew it was going to be a good speech, but…”

That’s Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson.

“The part that I found really encouraging and surprising was his saying that this ought to send a message to Washington to guarantee these same rights that we have put into law in NH for the entire country. He did not have to go there; but I am delighted that he did so, because that is the next step.”

But some gay marriage critics see something far different on the horizon. Mont Vernon republican William O’Brien says the rush to get the bill passed obscured a flaw that he claims will pave the way for more than simply same-sex marriages.

“Democrats have so poorly crafted their bill that any religion’s doctrine would take precedent over NH law. There are religions that allow for multiple spouse marriages. Those religions can now come to NH and say, ‘we allow for multiple wives, you can’t stop us from doing that.’

O’Brien added that voters need to have their say on gay marriage through a referendum. Other critics said the 2010 election would be the final word. The lead sponsor of this year’s original gay marriage bill, Portsmouth Democrat Jim Splaine, noted that opponents said similar thing two years ago when civil union became law.

“People suggested it was going to be difficult for NH to adjust, and of course it was not. I think you’re going to see the same thing on this. We’re going to see people who happen to love one another and want commit to love one another for the rest of their lives get married. It’s a wonderful thing.”

Those marriages can start at 12:01 new year’s day.