(Part put "below the fold" by me. - promoted by Dean Barker)
Every now and then -- not every day perhaps but every now and then there is a day at the State House in Concord that is simply fun. You feel good about having participated in the process.
Thursday was such a day. Four bills were up for public hearing about LBGT equality. Two would reduce our Civil Unions Law, and the other two provide full marriage equality and fighting discrimination based on gender identity.
The bills were in front of the House Judiciary Committee, chaired with the element of class by longtime Nashua Representative David Cote. Dave's a Democrat, and a mighty good one.
One of our proudest accomplishments in the 2007 Legislature was the passage of Civil Unions, a move toward full equality for our New Hampshire gay and lesbian friends, family members, and neighbors. It was fantastic to see Governor John Lynch sign the bill into law in May of that year. During the past 13 months that Civil Unions have been allowed, 621 couples have made their commitment to share their love, caring, and lives together. |
One of the hearings was particularly heart-warming to those of us who worked through the long, hard fight for Civil Unions. It was on House Bill HB 436, titled "relative to civil marriage and civil unions." It is legislation that would provide for full marriage equality, with the word "marriage." It is cosponsored by Representatives Barbara Richardson, Ed Butler, Paul McEachern, and myself.
We had perhaps 200 people at the hearing, with the far majority of numbers in our favor. Our speakers were powerful, and effective. Bishop Gene Robinson talked about his personal experiences -- and his personal love. His words were courageous, and powerful. Just as meaningful was story after story from other speakers. They came from throughout the state and from dozens of backgrounds to share their reasons for breaking down marriage discrimination.
Civil Unions have been good for our state. New Hampshire two years ago became the first and still the only state to adopt Civil Unions without a court decision, or even a threat of a lawsuit. We should be proud of that -- having done it the "New Hampshire Way." Now, we can became the first state to legislatively adopt full marriage equality.
After a vote by the House Judiciary Committee, the bill goes with its recommendation to the House floor for action. Those of us supporting House Bill 436 are planning significant outreach to all of our 400 House members. We need help. If you can contact your local representatives -- Democratic or Republican -- please do so, and please do it now. If you can write a letter to the editor of support, please do so, and please do it now.
In the tough days two years ago, it looked like Civil Unions wouldn't make it. Good people stepped forward and made it happen. We can make full marriage equality happen now. It's time. |
