(Thank you, Governor. - promoted by elwood)
April 19, 2007, 10:19AM
N.H. governor says he'll OK civil unions
By NORMA LOVE Associated Press Writer
© 2007 The Associated Press
CONCORD, N.H. - Gov. John Lynch said Thursday he will sign legislation establishing civil unions for gay couples in New Hampshire.
"I believe it is a matter of conscience, fairness and preventing discrimination," Lynch told The Associated Press.
New Hampshire would become the fourth state to adopt civil unions, following Connecticut, Vermont and New Jersey. Massachusetts established gay marriage.
Lynch had previously declined to take a public position on civil unions, though has supported expanding health benefits to same-sex partners of state workers. He came under fire from both sides for not weighing in - especially after a delay last week of the Senate vote on the House-passed bill.
The Senate votes next week, and Lynch said he is confident the legislation will pass. It would authorize civil unions beginning next year.
Update by Laura: Via a press release from the NHDP, Ray Buckley's statement on this:
"I am grateful for Gov. Lynch's decision to sign H.B. 437, the Civil Unions bill. Once again, the Governor has demonstrated that he supports all New Hampshire families and reminded us all of the Granite State's long tradition of opposing discrimination in any form.
"New Hampshire was among the first states to oppose slavery, support the expansion of suffrage to women and the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. The passage of this legislation is just another example of the fact that Democrats, Republicans and Independents in New Hampshire oppose discrimination.
"The adoption of civil unions is an issue that also has wide bipartisan support. In Connecticut, Republican Governor M. Jodi Rell signed civil unions into law in her state and at least two of the Republican candidates for President also support it." |
