Senate passes marriage equality bill!!!!!!

Differences in the bills (0.00 / 0)

First off, Yay! Go show Senate and now for the details....
Can any of you tell me what the differences are in the two versions?
Thanks!

Bresler for Emperor

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by: Blue Granite @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 13:44:51 PM CDT

Major one is the bride and groom language (0.00 / 0)

is specifically preserved, with "spouse" as a generic option.

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by: Mike Caulfield @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 13:50:50 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

oh... (0.00 / 0)

cool thanks

Bresler for Emperor

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by: Blue Granite @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 16:01:50 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

There were also some unnecessary clarifications (0.00 / 0)

About marriage age, etc. But the one they are talking about when they say preserved traditional values is that we can still opt to be a bride or groom.

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by: Mike Caulfield @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 16:25:36 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Amazing (4.00 / 2)

After the committee vote, I didn't think it was possible.

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by: JimC @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 13:47:54 PM CDT

Someone should change (4.00 / 3)

Senator DeVries from red to green above.

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by: itstime @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 13:48:06 PM CDT

SENATOR DEVRIES ISSUES STATEMENT ON HOUSE BILL 436 (4.00 / 6)

CONCORD - Senator Betsi DeVries (D-Manchester) issued the following statement today on her vote in favor of House Bill 436 as amended by the Senate to recognize religious and civil marriages.

"Today I have supported an amendment that upholds the sanctity and traditions of religious marriage while acknowledging the rights of a minority to seek a civil marriage. Manchester is a community that has blended many minorities in decades past and I have heard the stories of bigotry and hatred retold by our Irish and Greek seniors. Today I have stood for tolerance and acceptance for everyone in our community," she said.

Democrats solve problems, Republicans sit and say no.

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by: Ray Buckley @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 13:52:09 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

SO PROUD (4.00 / 5)

to call Betsi DeVries MY SENATOR!

Alderman-elect, City of Manchester (Ward Six)


President, NH Young Democrats

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by: Garth Corriveau @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 13:56:03 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Call to say thank you! (4.00 / 3)

I just did, her aide was very happy to hear someone pleased with her vote.  

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by: xcjm @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 15:11:16 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Betsi is my hero(ine) (4.00 / 12)

Betsi is my state senator. She was very much aware that given the more conservative makeup of our district, that her vote could cost her re-election. However, she showed courage by standing up for her principles, and against bigotry.  She is a true hero, a profile in courage.  

Betsi was the first female firefighter in Manchester, so that shows you that she is a brave person.  

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 13:57:36 PM CDT

Senator DeVries is awesome! (4.00 / 2)

Not just her, but every senator who voted today in favor of equality! :) I'm so proud of you all!

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by: Blanco @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 14:30:01 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

so are you Kathy (4.00 / 4)

When you blogged on, I felt it was over. You, our beloved self appointed 'Centrist' let them know in no uncertain terms where you stood, publicly and unequivocally.
Rick Trombly's letter, Beth Campbell's testimony, Dean's constant comments, Hoefer, SuantheB, Caulfield and Ms., Laura have been on top of things...and so many others, and now the lifetimes of living in the shadows are OVAH baby.
Quick story I told her once a few years ago.
My grandmother(yes that one)played bridge with Larry Kramer's mother. The author of a Broadway play about gay mens lives The Normal Heart, opened up America's hard hearts.He wrote about his suicide attempt in college as a closeted gay man. Larry went on to found Act Up. How many others suffered to reach this bright day is unknownable but not how many can now live in peace. Today the NH State Senate has reaffirmed our equality under the laws of the Constitution of the United States of America.Bravo !(cue Kate Smith)

"Poetry is not an expression of the party line. It's that time of night, lying in bed, thinking what you really think, making the private world public, that's what the poet does." Allen Ginsberg

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by: JonnyBBad @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 15:35:18 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

That is very kind of you... (4.00 / 1)

But we have an excellent Democratic majority in the legislature.  And an excellent Democratic Party chair, who I hope is getting some sleep tonight.

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 19:46:34 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I'll Up Your Profile In Courage... (4.00 / 2)

...to her to Double-Profile In Courage.  And YOU, Kathy, did so much to pass House Bill 436.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 17:04:57 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I am so ashamed to call Ted Gatsas my future Senator (4.00 / 3)

Bradgon wasn't any better though.

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by: Putney Swope @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 20:00:56 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

The Garbage Man Speaketh: (0.00 / 0)

NHGOP STATEMENT ON RADICAL DEMOCRAT STATE SENATE

SUPPORTING SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

CONCORD - Today, former New Hampshire Governor and Republican State Committee Chairman John H. Sununu released the following statement on the radical Democrat State Senate supporting same-sex marriage:

"It's clear that there was a lot of arm-twisting that took place yesterday in the Senate Democrat Caucus. The real test of course, will be whether Governor Lynch is strong enough to support his own statements of opposition to same-sex marriage and have the courage to veto this legislation. I certainly cannot believe the rumors that he is going to allow it become law without his signature because that, of course, would make it clear to the voters of New Hampshire that there is no capacity for leadership or accountability in the Governor's office today."

###

Democrats solve problems, Republicans sit and say no.

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by: Ray Buckley @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 14:01:35 PM CDT

My reply to J.H. Sununu... (4.00 / 8)

Mr Sununu, that statement is total garbage.

"Just because you do not take an interest in politics, doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you" - Pericles, 430 BCE

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by: URSUS @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 14:05:59 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Arm Twisting? (4.00 / 4)

The arm twisting was by the people of New Hampshire. I am getting really tired of this grumpy bigoted baloney coming from Sununu. As I said before, he is very much of the '80's - the 1880's.

Hey, kudos to Deb Reynolds, by the way.  

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."  Franklin D. Roosevelt    

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by: Kathy Sullivan 2 @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 14:06:16 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

BIG kudos to Sen. Reynolds (4.00 / 6)

I have a nomination to make ...

Sen. Deb Reynolds, imho, just earned NHDP's 'Kathy Sullivan Award' which is given annually @ the JJ Dinner to an individual embodying the "strength, courage, determination and true grit" of Kathy's fight with the phone jammers.  

If my memory serves me correct, Senator Lasky received it in 2007 and Senator DeVries in 2008.

Senator Reynolds' courageous stand today makes her the the perfect choice for the award!

... ummmm, Ray, are you listening?

Alderman-elect, City of Manchester (Ward Six)


President, NH Young Democrats

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by: Garth Corriveau @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 14:21:27 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

We may have to divide it up.... (4.00 / 3)

We may have so many who deserve such an honor that we may have to give a "Kathy Award" and a "Sullivan Award"!!

I have also heard from someone who believes Speaker Norelli's taking the floor for HB 415 should be honored as well...

Democrats solve problems, Republicans sit and say no.

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by: Ray Buckley @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 14:28:30 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Should Have About 201 Awards This Year... (4.00 / 3)

...and Terie Norelli's comments in favor of House Bill 415, when we were at the low-point on that, qualifies for one.  Deb Reynolds lived up to her reputation today, and then some -- on several bills.  Good job.  

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 17:07:40 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Absolutely! (4.00 / 1)

I give Senator Reynolds a lot of credit for listening to her constituents and finding a new supply of political will. After her original comments, this really shows an awakening of resolve.

IT for John Lynch '04 and NHDP '08 - I'm liking my track record so far!

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by: RealNRH @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 14:43:23 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Rip Van Garbage (0.00 / 0)

Hello Message Control : We have a problem....

"Poetry is not an expression of the party line. It's that time of night, lying in bed, thinking what you really think, making the private world public, that's what the poet does." Allen Ginsberg

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by: JonnyBBad @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 15:59:12 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Oh My. (4.00 / 4)

Keep talking John Sr. -- every time you open your mouth this gets closer to passing. It's really quite extraordinary.

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by: Mike Caulfield @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 14:08:13 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

"Democrat State Senate" (4.00 / 5)

Republicans are officially soft on grammar.

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by: This Was The Moment @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 17:51:29 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I wonder if they actually (4.00 / 5)

have to go back through during proof reading... "Oh shit I said Democratic, I better fix that"

Hope > Fear



Create a free Blue Hampshire account and join the conversation.

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by: Mike Hoefer @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 21:02:49 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I doubt it. (0.00 / 0)

They're very good at this party line stuff.

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by: This Was The Moment @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 21:05:44 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I am disappointed that, (4.00 / 3)

unless I missed it, the NHDP chose not to respond to John H. Sununu's "that garbage" remark, one of the worst things I've ever heard a prominent public figure in the state of New Hampshire say.  

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by: Dean Barker @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 19:19:31 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

A suggestion: (4.00 / 3)

John H. Sununu decided to come back and be Chair of the New Hampshire Republican Party in case his son decided to run for office again, and because in this job he combines his two favorite activities: offending people and attacking Democrats.

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by: This Was The Moment @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 21:11:02 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

sad but so true n/t (0.00 / 0)

"Poetry is not an expression of the party line. It's that time of night, lying in bed, thinking what you really think, making the private world public, that's what the poet does." Allen Ginsberg

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by: JonnyBBad @ Fri May 01, 2009 at 21:36:07 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

That was an amazing session to listen to (4.00 / 2)

Absolutely riveting.

I am proud of every single one that voted for this.  

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by: Mike Caulfield @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 14:02:02 PM CDT

House Vote (4.00 / 1)

Does anyone know when the House is going to vote on this amended bill?

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by: bluedemtx @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 14:21:57 PM CDT

I should say too (4.00 / 8)

Molly Kelly, my senator, gets major appreciation on this, really having never wavered. Cheshire County is overwhelmingly in favor of this, and Molly did us proud.

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by: Mike Caulfield @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 14:23:41 PM CDT

Agreed (4.00 / 1)

It has been said already, but everyone should call, email, write about their appreciation to the Senator of their choice thanking her/him for the vote on this issue.  They get so much grief from the really negative people; we should make sure they also get some positive feedback from those who appreciate how they voted.

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by: gradysdad @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 15:52:42 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Senator Houde's remarks (4.00 / 7)

Thank You Madam President,

I rise to support HB436 as amended for three reasons.  First, marriage equality is, in my opinion, an equal rights issue.  While civil unions were intended to provide the same rights as marriage, we should be very clear: separate is never equal.  It was not that long ago that blacks and whites were not allowed to marry, and there is just no good reason same sex couples should be denied equal access to marriage.
The second reason I support this bill is for the benefits of extending marriage rights.  We heard a lot about family during testimony from advocates.  We all agree as to the benefits of strong families and many of us know same sex couples who raise wonderful children in a loving, supportive environment.  By extending marriage, we would be supporting those families- recognizing the stability, shared values, and love that all families provide.
The third reason I support this bill is history, and more specifically, being on the right side of it.  One young person who testified made a comment that has stayed with me, and I'm paraphrasing: "this debate has already been decided- we're just waiting for you to recognize it."  This issue, I believe, is not a question of if, but only a question of when.  We should be eager to be on the right side of the history- and proud once we've done so.  Thank you Madam President.  

Democrats solve problems, Republicans sit and say no.

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by: Ray Buckley @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 14:54:56 PM CDT

Be sure to let those Senators (4.00 / 2)

who switched their votes know that you'll/we'll have their backs come next election, for they surely will be targeted by the loonies on the far right. Those who switched votes were targets in MA and none have yet been defeated because Mass Equality helped out in any way we were asked. Thanks to Everyone who stood with us for equality and against bigotry and homophobia today. Your children will thank you someday for this heroically courageous stance.

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by: tnichlsn @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 15:23:27 PM CDT

CORRECTION (4.00 / 2)

Nobody switched any votes. The senate amendment entirely replaced the bill passed by the House. Today was the first vote on this amendment.

Let's be accurate here.

Democrats solve problems, Republicans sit and say no.

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by: Ray Buckley @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 15:40:41 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Dear Deb, (4.00 / 4)

Thanks so much for listening, reconsidering, and doing the right thing.  Standing against bigotry and discrimination is always the best choice.  Could you please now help explain this to the Governor.

Thanks again,

May in Orford

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by: may @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 15:35:15 PM CDT

CORRECTION (4.00 / 1)

Nobody switched any votes. The senate amendment was not before the committee. The senate amendment addressed the concerns of Senator Reynolds' constituents. The senate amendment replaced the bill passed by the House. Today was the first vote on this amendment.

Let's be accurate here.

Democrats solve problems, Republicans sit and say no.

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by: Ray Buckley @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 15:42:47 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Yes, let's be accurate. (0.00 / 0)

The House bill was before the Committee. The Committee voted it out "Inexpedient to Legislate." The Committee did NOT vote it out "Ought to Pass as Amended."

Thankfully, the Chairman changed her vote in the full chamber and supported it as subsequently amended.

I'd just as soon move on. But I won't let this historical revision pass unchallenged.

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by: elwood @ Fri May 01, 2009 at 21:56:35 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Is Everybody Smiling?! (4.00 / 3)

I worked up a sweat just being there!

Reynolds and Devries impressed the heck out of me!

Fabulous, brilliant amendment.

And we must also be sure to thank the Cornerstone Foundation. One senator told me their hateful performance at the senate hearing was what actually pushed it over the top for our side.

What a great great day for New Hampshire!!

No'm Sayn?

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by: BurtCohen @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 15:39:40 PM CDT

Betsi Saves Kathy the S (0.00 / 1)

Congratulations especially to Betsi DeVries, my senator and Kathy the S's senator.  With Wards 5 adn 7 low turnout and Litchfield a high turnout ward, District 18 is truly a swing district, and this certainly will be used against Betsi by Uber Right Winger Kruse or someone else next time.  Of course the UNH Poll that shows people are ready for gay marriage by a 16 percent margin doesn't hurt.  While Manchester is slightly more conservative than the state at large, the numbers are impressive.  Oh yes, this save a terrible embarrasment for Kathy the S whose two Dem Representatives went against her earlier, Tommy the K by voting No and Mike Farley by being his usual no show.  Kathy's other Rep?  Yes, that would be I, and I did vote for the bill, spoke on it, and fought for it.  You don't have to thank me Kathy and I'm sure you won't.  Happy days indeed when we pass med marijuana and gay marriage and kill (table) seat belts and the four year term for Governor the same day.  As for transgender rights, it's sad.  I always thought that gays would be the last segment of society to receive equal rights.  I was wrong...apparently society needs someone to discriminate against, but Gerri and all, keep the faith.  Your day is coming.

Steve V (Kathy the S's only pro gay marriage Repr)

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by: steve vaillancourt @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 16:09:18 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

You Helped A Lot, Burt... (0.00 / 0)

...not only in your letter to the Senators, but by being on the Senate floor today and opening some doors.  You belong there.  Martha Fuller Clark was great but it was decent to have two-for-one for a while!

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by: Rep. Jim Splaine @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 17:25:51 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Interesting Amendment (0.00 / 0)

Do you think anyone read my letter to the Concord Monitor on March 26th?

This was my solution to the issue of Church v State:

Let's leave the blessings of holy matrimony (for the select) to the church and the licensing of civil marriage (for all) to the state.

Sounds a lot like the Amendment!


Justica para todos.  Justice for all.  Pass it on.

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by: Beth Campbell @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 17:07:03 PM CDT

Maine has similar language (0.00 / 0)

in their bill. It heads some of the stoopid off at the pass.  

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by: susanthe @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 17:12:03 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

don't get a sore arm (0.00 / 0)

patting yourself on the back...but yes I read your letter and remember that you so suggested. Let it be recorded. Doug owes me a beer.

"Poetry is not an expression of the party line. It's that time of night, lying in bed, thinking what you really think, making the private world public, that's what the poet does." Allen Ginsberg

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by: JonnyBBad @ Fri May 01, 2009 at 21:39:38 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I don't really think they got the idea from me (4.00 / 1)

It's actually such a no-brainer that I'm sure a lot of people thought of it.  Just thought it was funny.  As in Al Gore inventing the internet, funny.

Justica para todos.  Justice for all.  Pass it on.

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by: Beth Campbell @ Fri May 01, 2009 at 22:00:02 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Very happy with this outcome (4.00 / 2)

The fact that it is an entirely different amendment or not,  is up to the wordsmiths in campaign literature to explain. NH will be a better place for my children (and ever other NH Citizen as well ;-) based on the passage of this bill.

After years of embarrassment of being the last state to recognize MLK it is nice to be among the leading states on an important rights issue.

The concerted push from the BH crowd may not have been comfortable at all times, but as we said so often during the primary, "this ain't beanbag".

Kudos to all that were involved in passing this historic legislation.

Hope > Fear



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by: Mike Hoefer @ Wed Apr 29, 2009 at 17:22:23 PM CDT