Today is no exception. The Monitor found Governor Lynch's proposal for yet another commission to `study' the issue of equality unacceptable. The published a staff editorial which I will post in its entirety. (If this is a problem, I will cut it)
No more study, please
The 2007 Legislature will see at least two bills to make civil unions legal for same-sex couples. In response, Gov. John Lynch has suggested, through a spokesman, that he may deploy one of the most potent weapons ever designed to kill time, a committee. He should not make good on that threat.
It's true the legislative commission former governor Craig Benson appointed to study the implications of legalizing same-sex marriage was fatally compromised by the lack of objectivity of many of its members. The group's tempestuous meetings and bigoted conclusions embarrassed the state. But no matter how fairly constituted the next group could be, its contribution to the debate would be insignificant compared with the real-world experiences of neighboring states. Vermont made civil unions legal in 2000, and Massachusetts recognized same-sex marriage in 2004.
The governor opposes gay marriage but, without making his position on civil unions clear, has voiced support for equal rights for all citizens. Creating a committee to study the issue would simply allow him to maintain that vague stance indefinitely.
Support for civil unions has increased. According to the latest poll taken for the Monitor, 44 percent of New Hampshire residents favor civil unions, 40 percent oppose them and 16 percent are undecided.
The governor could take the lead on this issue and make his position clear, or he could wait to see whether a bill lands on his desk. The former course would be preferable, the latter understandable. But as for another study commission, to paraphrase the late, great singer James Brown, "Please, please, please don't . . ."
When New Hampshire becomes the second state in the country to institute civil unions for gays and lesbians through legislative action, It will be in no small part due to the efforts of the Concord Monitor.
