(THANK YOU Sens. Reynolds, Lasky, and Houde, for listening to it all. - promoted by Dean Barker)
It was the best public hearing ever held at the New Hampshire State House. Okay, excuse me for what some observers might consider a little exaggeration, or not -- fact is, it certainly was one of the best. I've seen hundreds of hearings during some 29 years I've been either in the House or Senate, and I can't think of a better one. It had all the ingredients.
I left Portsmouth driving West with the bright early Springtime sun to my back at 6:12 AM. I wanted to arrive in time for a 7:15 AM rally in front of the State House that was to be held by opponents of House Bill 436, the full marriage equality bill.
It was a nice ride. I hit some traffic, and got to Concord a little late at about 7:30 AM. After parking at the Legislators' parking garage, I turned a corner and saw the signs: "Marriage: 1 Man - 1 Woman", and assorted variations of the theme of how gays and lesbians are out to destroy marriage, and that God doesn't condone gay marriage.
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I quietly wedged into the crowd of about 150 people who were listening and cheering for what sounded like a Bible class, mixed in with a heavy dose of conservative politics. Then, at about 8:00 AM another rally started closer to the street, this one organized by pro-HB 436 supporters. Bishop Gene Robinson was speaking at that one, and the speaker system played some of Martin Luther King Jr. speeches. A good part of the edge of the anti-HB 436 crowd seemed bothered by their own speakers' comments being drowned out by MLK and Robinson. I think the good Reverend would be proud.
The anti-gay marriage rally went to about 8:40 AM, way over its allotted time, and this allowed for the 150 or so pro-gay marriage rally goers to pull off a bit of a coup -- they rather quietly slipped into the front door of the State House as the anti-gay marriage rally attendees kept cheering for their speakers. Neat plan, because that meant that by the time the anti-gay marriage rally folks were done their cheering, as they went to find seats in the Legislative Chambers most of the really good seats in the middle of the Hall were filled by the pro-HB 436 folks. The anti's were left to the wings of the hall and the back seats. So sad for them.
The hearing itself began at about 9:15 AM, slightly later than scheduled. The five Senate Judiciary Committee members -- Senators Deb Reynolds, Bette Lasky, Matt Houde, Sheila Roberge, and Bob Letourneau, were attentive throughout the first hours of the testimony, recessing at about 11:55 AM for lunch break, and gathering again at 12:30 PM. Chair Deb Reynolds did a great job keeping the hearing moving at a decent pace, discouraging most speakers from going beyond 3 1/2 minutes or so. The hearing ended at 4:30 PM, capped by testimony by former two-time Democratic Gubernatorial Nominee Paul McEachern and Rep. David Pierce, who did such a great job on the House floor three weeks ago.
The room was packed, and for the first four or five hours the division in the room was about 1/3rd anti-HB 436, and 2/3rds pro-HB 436. For the final two hours, however, most of the anti's had got exhausted and left, and those who were for House Bill 436 had staying power.
All considered, each "side" was respectful, both outside during the rallies, and inside during the hearing. There were a few boos, some laughter, some cheering, all the things that happen at well-attended hearings. Chair Deb Reynolds deserves much credit for keeping control of the hearing, and Senate staff and State House security did their job with skill.
Oh, and the three Democrats on the Committee -- Reynolds, Lasky, and Houde stayed for the ENTIRE hearing. We should thank them and do some follow-up calls and E-Mails and letters, urging them to stand together in supporting House Bill 436 and letting them know that their nearly 7 hours of listening with patience and tolerance will be rewarded. Because they were at the head table of the very best public hearing ever at the New Hampshire State House.
And we need to let Governor John Lynch know we appreciate that he hasn't acted like a certain neighboring Governor -- John Lynch has allowed this dialogue to continue without any threats of a veto from his office.
Three State Senators doing a great job.
A Governor with class.
Democracy at its best.
We can do this. Equality. Now. 2009.
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